Observations in the Great Unknown

Weather observations became a major business in the 19th century, as countries recognized the importance of this science and competed to gain economic and strategic advantages. The Austrians created the first national meteorological service in the world in 1851. England was a close second, as Admiral Robert FitzRoy founded the United Kingdom Meteorological Office in 1854. Other countries followed: India in 1875, Finland in 1881, and the United States Weather Bureau in 1890.