The meteorological observatory Polarstern continuously operates a ceilometer to measure cloud height and vertical visibility. The instrument features an upward pointing pulsed diode laser centered at a wavelength of 910nm. Using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology the instrument records the backscatter, predominantly caused by hydrometeors such as precipitation and cloud particles. Measurements are taken approximately every 36 seconds. All data published here is left "as recorded", no quality control was applied.

The ceilometer is mounted 20m above design waterline, the height offset of the instrument was left at the factory default 0m. Hence, readings of cloud height, vertical visibility and vertical backscatter are with respect to the location of installation 20m above sea level.