Total air temperature

Total air temperature is a measure of how hot or cold the air is. It takes into account both the temperature of the air itself and the speed at which the air is moving. Imagine you're in a car and you're standing still with your head outside the window, you can feel the air is cooler than when you're driving down the road very fast. This is because when air moves faster, it cools down or heats up depending on the temperature it passes.

Total air temperature is important because it can affect how planes and other aircraft fly. When the temperature of the air changes, it can change the way the aircraft's engine works and reduce its efficiency. This means the plane may need to use more fuel to fly the same distance, which can be expensive.

Scientists use instruments to measure the total air temperature, and they usually place these instruments on the outside of planes. The instruments measure the temperature of the air and the speed at which it's moving, so they can calculate the total air temperature. This information is then used by pilots and engineers to ensure the plane is flying safely and efficiently.