Subject: Is it possible to 'see' a thermal? (clouds, meterology)

The tops of thermals are usually visable in the form of cumulus clouds, 
but is it possible to 'see' a thermal?
As the thermal is invisable to the naked eye, is there some sort of 
technology that can detect either the heat (as the thermal is warmer than 
the surrounding air), the dust particles or maybe water molicules that 
make up the thermal.

Re: Is it possible to 'see' a thermal? (clouds, meterology)