Joyful Earth Day 2024! Yearly on April 22, we rejoice Earth Day. This annual occasion is a time to deal with the environmental points we now have throughout the planet and spotlight the efforts being made so we are able to proceed to guard it.
Whereas there are lots of methods we are able to accomplish this, one of many largest technical advances we have seen within the final 20 years that has been a sport changer monitoring our planet’s altering local weather and atmospheric situations is thru NOAA and NASA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) and Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) satellite tv for pc fleet.
To commemorate Earth Day, get pleasure from these 12 satellite tv for pc pictures that showcase the alternative ways this important know-how helps scientists control our planet.
Associated: The Earth Day 2024 Google doodle is a local weather change reminder
The GOES satellite tv for pc community has been in operation since 1975, though the present sequence, GOES-R, was launched in 2016. The ultimate satellite tv for pc within the sequence, GOES-U, is predicted to launch in 2024 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
Other than monitoring our altering planet, the GOES satellite tv for pc sequence can monitor air high quality, determine lightning strikes which may result in wildfires, detect meteors getting into Earth’s environment, and even give warning about area climate hazards.
“A whole lot of of us know that the local weather is altering, and that is impacting their communities and that may be discouraging,” Karen St. Germain, NASA’s Earth Science Division Director mentioned throughout a NASA Earth Day media briefing final week.
“One of many issues that we need to do is say, hey, after we perceive what’s taking place, we are able to make selections. And a neighborhood that may study is a neighborhood that may adapt, can transfer ahead, and proceed to thrive. That is actually what I am hopeful about on Earth Day,” St. Germain added.
As of right now, NOAA owns and operates ten satellites together with 4 geostationary, 5 polar orbiting, and one which covers deep area.
These next-generation satellites are our eyes within the sky watching over Planet Earth and ship again superior imaging and measurements from quite a lot of devices to assist enhance climate forecasting.
These satellites additionally help with security and aviation route planning, detect wildfires and smoke, and compile knowledge that may give us extra particulars on the impacts of local weather change.
“GOES satellites have been a sport changer for the Nationwide Climate Service,” mentioned Jordan Gerth, meteorologist, National Weather Service Office of Observations. “GOES is a vital a part of the forecast course of and has enabled us to offer more and more correct forecasts, warnings and providers that save lives and property.”
These are just some of the numerous snapshots that contribute to the on-going research and analysis on how we are able to keep protected and likewise maintain the place we name house.
“Earth day is a time for reflection on the delicate nature of our planet and all who reside right here, some extent made abundantly clear after a 12 months filled with devastating climate and local weather extremes,” Sarah Kapnick, NOAA’s Chief Scientist instructed House.com in an interview.
“However it’s also a possibility to advocate for its safety, deliver consciousness to vital points, and rejoice our accomplishments. This 12 months let’s problem ourselves to deal with daily like it’s Earth Day.”
