# WeatherStar XL

> Custom SGI O2 computer used by The Weather Channel

**Wikidata**: [Q7978218](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7978218)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Star_XL)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/weatherstar-xl

## Summary
WeatherStar XL was a custom SGI O2 computer used by The Weather Channel, designed for advanced weather forecasting. It ran on the IRIX operating system and featured an R12000 MIPS microprocessor, making it a specialized tool for meteorological data processing.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Computer
- **Manufacturer**: Silicon Graphics
- **CPU**: R12000 MIPS microprocessor
- **GPU**: CRM
- **Operating System**: IRIX (version 6.3)
- **Inception**: 1996
- **Commercialization Date**: 1998
- **Capital Cost**: $6,500 USD
- **Owned by**: The Weather Channel
- **Follows**: WeatherStar 4000
- **Followed by**: IntelliStar
- **Wikipedia Title**: Weather Star XL

## FAQs
### Q: What was the WeatherStar XL used for?
A: The WeatherStar XL was a custom SGI O2 computer used by The Weather Channel for advanced weather forecasting, leveraging its R12000 MIPS microprocessor and IRIX operating system.

### Q: Who manufactured the WeatherStar XL?
A: The WeatherStar XL was manufactured by Silicon Graphics, using their SGI O2 platform.

### Q: What operating system did the WeatherStar XL run on?
A: The WeatherStar XL ran on IRIX version 6.3, a Unix-based operating system developed by Silicon Graphics.

### Q: What was the cost of the WeatherStar XL?
A: The WeatherStar XL had a capital cost of $6,500 USD.

### Q: What preceded and succeeded the WeatherStar XL?
A: The WeatherStar XL followed the WeatherStar 4000 and was succeeded by IntelliStar.

## Why It Matters
The WeatherStar XL was a specialized computing solution tailored for The Weather Channel, enabling advanced meteorological data processing. Its custom SGI O2 configuration, featuring the R12000 MIPS microprocessor and IRIX OS, provided the computational power needed for real-time weather forecasting. The system’s inception in 1996 and commercialization in 1998 marked a significant step in leveraging high-performance computing for weather prediction. While it was eventually replaced by IntelliStar, the WeatherStar XL played a crucial role in The Weather Channel’s early adoption of advanced computing technologies for meteorological applications.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Hardware**: The WeatherStar XL was one of the first custom SGI O2 computers used for weather forecasting, featuring an R12000 MIPS microprocessor.
- **Operating System**: It ran on IRIX version 6.3, a Unix-based system optimized for scientific and technical computing.
- **Cost-Effective**: With a capital cost of $6,500, it provided a balance between performance and affordability for its time.
- **Historical Precedence**: It followed the WeatherStar 4000 and was succeeded by IntelliStar, marking a transition in The Weather Channel’s computing infrastructure.
- **Manufacturer**: Silicon Graphics, known for high-end workstations, tailored the SGI O2 platform for meteorological use.

## Body
### Overview
The WeatherStar XL was a custom SGI O2 computer designed and used by The Weather Channel for weather forecasting. It was introduced in 1996 and commercially available in 1998, with a capital cost of $6,500 USD.

### Technical Specifications
- **CPU**: R12000 MIPS microprocessor
- **GPU**: CRM
- **Operating System**: IRIX version 6.3
- **Manufacturer**: Silicon Graphics

### Historical Context
- **Predecessor**: WeatherStar 4000
- **Successor**: IntelliStar

### Ownership and Use
- **Owned by**: The Weather Channel
- **Purpose**: Advanced weather forecasting and meteorological data processing

### Media and Documentation
- **Wikipedia Title**: Weather Star XL
- **Wikipedia Languages**: English, Spanish
- **Image**: An SGI O2 Plus used for WeatherStar XL, available on Wikimedia Commons.

### Additional Identifiers
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0d6pq2
- **Wikidata Description**: Custom SGI O2 computer used by The Weather Channel