Radar

technology · detection · radio waves

Radio wave bouncer. Radar sends out radio waves that bounce off objects like planes or ships, then listens for the echoes coming back. By measuring how long the echo takes to return, radar figures out exactly how far away something is.

Finds hidden objects. Radar can detect things you can't see with your eyes, like planes flying through clouds or ships in the fog. It works day or night and doesn't need sunlight to do its job.

Named in 1940. The United States Navy invented the word RADAR in 1940 as short for 'radio detection and ranging.' The name was so useful that it became an everyday word that everyone still uses today.

Watches the weather. Weather forecasters use radar to spot storms, rain, and dangerous weather patterns moving toward your area. This helps them warn people about tornadoes and hurricanes before they arrive.

Controls air traffic. Airports use radar to track airplanes in the sky and keep them safe from crashing into each other. Air traffic controllers watch radar screens to guide pilots during landing and takeoff.