NOAA has launched a new Earth observation satellite, GOES-16, providing incredible portraits of our home planet.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has not yet decided where to place the newest meteorological satellite. But one thing is clear: GOES-16 (previously known as GOES-R), knows how to catch unforgettable views.
High-resolution photographs taken by the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) show a view from a distance of 22,300 miles above the equator, including composite light and a full disc image of the western hemisphere. Photos taken on January 15th.
ABI is able to photograph a full image of the earth's disk every 15 minutes, and the continental part of the United States - every 5 minutes.
“This is not just a pretty picture. This is the future of meteoric observations and forecasting, ”said Louis Yussellini, director of the national weather service. “The high expansion from GOES-16 will provide a sharp and more detailed look at dangerous meteoric events and will reveal features that previous tools may have missed. In the end, weather forecasters will be able to provide more accurate, timely and reliable data that will provide high-quality warning and will allow time to save the population. ”
The complete image of the disk of the earth hemisphere is one of 25 frames released on Monday. Including a series of 16 US images in two optical, four infrared regions and 10 infrared wavelengths. A personal favorite with a view of the moon is presented below:
GOES-16 was launched on November 19 from the Air Force station at Cape Canaveral in Florida. NOAA will announce in May where the satellite will be located: in the eastern or western part. It is expected to start functioning in November.
The next satellite from this series is planned to be launched in 2018.
