The microburst challenge: A story of science and innovation

For decades, microburst wind shear was one of the least understood and most hazardous threats in commercial aviation. Since 1943, these sudden, violent downdrafts have claimed over 1,400 lives worldwide, with more than 400 of those occurring in the U.S. in just a 12-year span. Those tragedies sparked an urgent need to better understand these events and provide solutions for safer flying.

Join us for this special Explorer Series event to learn about NSF NCAR’s critical role in microburst research and the implementation of airport wind-shear detection systems. Hear from current and former NSF NCAR scientists through a series of short talks and a discussion panel about this remarkable research-to-operations success story. Arrive early to meet fellow attendees and NSF NCAR scientists, enjoy refreshments, and participate in hands-on activities.