Satellites serve two purposes in weather forecasting. Communications satellites are used to send weather data around the world, while dedicated weather satellites monitor the movement of weather systems and the patterns of cloud cover: There are two types of weather satellite. Geostationary satellites are fixed in one position, observing a certain area from their orbit high above the Equator. Polar-orbiting satellites circle the Earth from pole to pole. The planet’s rotation means that each orbit takes in a different part of the Earth.
In order to predict the weather accurately for the hours and days ahead weather forecasters must analyze the information they receive from number of sources – including local weather observes, weather balloons, weather stations, and satellites.
Speaking of satellites – NASA has a train of satellites called the Afternoons Constellation, nicknamed the “A”-Train, which are orbiting the Earth and are collecting all sorts of data. This includes data that will help predict weather and climate change.
For example NASA has the Cloudsat satellite for studding the aspect of clouds, and Caplipso for studding the climate change, and how aerosols and particles affect the Earth’s atmosphere.
Many businesses and people rely on accurate weather conditions for different purposes – farmers need to know the best time to plant they crops; airplane takeoffs, landings, and flight paths are scheduled according to local weather conditions. Weather forecast alert people for severe storms that can be danger to personal property. Most people want to know what the weather will be like as they go to and from work, school, or plan outdoor activities.
The atmosphere is constantly changing and even though the scientist receive weather data from variety of sources – stations, satellites, observers, and balloons – it is still impossible to predict the weather correctly 100% of the time.
One of the ways of improving weather prediction and climate is to develop new technologies that helps scientists understand how the atmosphere works.
One such tech is the NASA’s Cloudsat satellite. This instrument provides a vertical cloud profiling from space improving weather and climate forecast.
Picture Credit : Google