Meteorological activities of J. G: Mendel as part of a tour of the Augustinian Abbey

Abstract

Gregor Johann Mendel is known worldwide for establishing the genetic laws. What is less well known is that during his life he devoted far more time to meteorology. He started as an assistant to Dr. Olexíka, who performed meteorological measurements on the premises of the Hospital at St. Anna in Brno. G.J. Mendel independently carried out his measurements in the grounds of the Augustinian Abbey in Staré Brno from July 1878 to July 1883 as a meteorological observer of the Austrian Meteorological Services. He studied at the University of Vienna and used his knowledge of physics to process meteorological data, which was unusually extensive and graphically expressed for that time. His physically very expertly described tornado that occurred in Brno on October 10, 1870 is very well known. He supported the development of weather forecasts and and forecasts with specifically focused on agriculture. Part of the exposition in the Mendel Museum of the Masaryk University in Brno is dedicated to his meteorological activities. Visitors to the Abbey can familiarize themselves with the meteorological instruments located in the meteorological booth on the terrace. In the courtyard, there is a replica of the tin meteorological booth from the period of Mendel's measurements in its original place.