![]() To be useful, they require knowledge of the current atmospheric state as a starting point. This generation of satellites will cement the future of weather satellites through at least 2036.Weather forecasts are the foundation of much of the information needed in the warnings we have been considering. This new suite of products includes a lightning mapper, information about our magnetosphere and geomagnetic field, and a space weather early detection system. In addition to the increased frequency of images, we will also get new kinds of imagery that we do not get right now. ![]() Proving grounds are simulating many of the upcoming products and their increased frequency. This will allow meteorologists to produce earlier and more accurate warnings.Īlthough this satellite is not yet in orbit, we are benefitting from many of its products already. GOES-R is a geostationary satellite - meaning it stays in one spot hovering above the Earth - that will capture images of weather and water systems as often as every 30 seconds, at least doubling our current frequency of images. In November, the first of four satellites in a new generation of satellite technology will be launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory/Alex Wineteer) Coming Attractions: GOES-R RapidScat is an important tool for meteorologists, because it shows forecasters the location of the strongest winds in different quadrants of an area of low pressure or tropical cyclone as they are not always equally distributed. ![]() Surface wind speed is always lower than speeds at higher altitude. The RapidScat instrument that flies aboard the International Space Station measures Earth's ocean surface wind speed and direction over open waters. This task is difficult to do without the Hurricane Hunters sometimes, and without visible satellite imagery, it can be impossible. ![]() This is also useful when trying to decipher if a tropical depression with a closed center has formed. Information in these 560-mile wide swaths includes wind speed and a good idea about wind direction, which in turn gives meteorologists a great idea about the location of hurricanes and how strong they are. This gives meteorologists the unique ability to gather information about hurricanes in the middle of our vast oceans. This tool is called RapidScat.Īboard the ISS, this instrument circles the globe numerous times per day measuring winds on the ocean's surface. On the International Space Station (ISS), there is a tool that is continuing to grow in benefit to both meteorologists and tropical and marine forecasts. There are five more tools that meteorologists use to fill in gaps, tools you probably have never heard of. We are so often used to using radar imagery and satellite views to monitor hurricanes and typhoons that we can forget how limiting that technology can be.
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