Weather Satellites and Remote Sensing

Weather Satellites

• Definition: Spacecraft that orbit Earth to monitor weather patterns and climate change.

Types of Satellites

• Geostationary Satellites:

  • Orbit Earth at the same rate as Earth's rotation.
  • Remain fixed over one area, ideal for real-time weather monitoring.
  • Extensive use in tracking storm systems.

• Polar-Orbiting Satellites:

  • Move in a north-south direction, passing over Earth's poles.
  • Cover the entire globe over time, providing detailed atmospheric and surface data.
  • Crucial for global weather understanding.

Remote Sensing

• Definition: Science of acquiring information about objects or areas from a distance (aircraft or satellites).

Sensors

• Active Sensor:

  • Radar instrument that measures signals transmitted and reflected by Earth's surface or atmosphere.

• Passive Sensor:

  • Microwave instrument that receives and measures natural emissions from Earth's surface and atmosphere.