Hint: There are different types of barometers, including mercury and aneroid.

A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, which is the force exerted by the weight of the air in the atmosphere. Invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643, the barometer is crucial for weather forecasting and understanding atmospheric conditions. By measuring changes in air pressure, it helps meteorologists predict weather patterns, such as indicating the approach of a storm or fair weather. There are different types of barometers, including mercury barometers and aneroid barometers, each utilizing different methods to measure and display pressure changes.