Earth observation from space is one of the prominent scientific achievements that reflects the advancement of technology and scientific research. In this context, the article reviews the advantages and benefits brought by modern satellites for monitoring meteorological and environmental conditions and their impact on understanding climate changes and natural disasters. We will highlight the new “GOES-19” satellite, which represents a milestone in the series of satellites from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the analysis of the data it provides to support weather forecasts and monitor severe climate events. Additionally, we will take a look at the celebrations marking twenty years of the “Aura” satellite and the important role played by other missions such as “GPM” and “SWOT” in enhancing our understanding of water and climate. Let us explore how these innovations contribute to improving our daily lives and support efforts to protect our planet.
New Satellite Technology
On September 18, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the first images of Earth from the western hemisphere captured by the new GOES-19 satellite. This satellite was launched on June 25, 2024, by a Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. It was previously known as GOES-U and was renamed after reaching its geostationary orbit on July 7, 2024. At an altitude of 35,785 km above the equator, GOES-19 orbits at a speed equal to the rotation of the Earth, allowing it to continuously monitor the same area and track weather conditions and hazards in real time.
The satellite is equipped with the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) that captures stunning images of the Earth across 16 spectral channels. These data enable researchers to obtain valuable information about the atmosphere, land, and oceans, assisting in weather forecasting and monitoring severe weather conditions. Additionally, ABI data are used to detect and monitor environmental hazards such as wildfires, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions. It gathers images from multiple channels to create visuals representing what the human eye can see from space, known as GeoColor.
GOES-19 is considered the final satellite in the GOES-R series by NOAA, bridging the way to a new era of advanced satellite technology. Currently, NOAA and NASA are developing the next generation of geodynamically-based satellites under the name Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) to advance practical projects for continuous Earth observation.
Celebrating Satellite Achievements
NASA has celebrated several Earth science achievements on the anniversary of the launch of some important satellites in 2024. The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission celebrated ten years since its launch in February, while the Aura and OCO-2 satellites celebrated twenty and ten years, respectively, in July. This section focuses on GPM and Aura and their roles in enhancing our understanding of meteorology.
GPM was launched on February 27, 2014, as part of a joint project between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The GPM program celebrated with several promotional activities, including a series of webinars called GPM 10-in-10 that started on February 8, 2024, discussing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how they integrate to protect our planet.
Over the past decade, GPM has provided vital data on global precipitation, leading to new scientific discoveries and supporting efforts to improve climate forecasts and public health. For example, after GPM flew over Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida as a Category 3 storm on October 9, 2024, GPM data were used to understand the potential nature of precipitation and its impacts on public life.
As Aura completed its 20-year mission on July 15, 2024, it highlighted the understanding of air quality conditions and climate science. Aura recorded detailed data about gases in the atmosphere, helping researchers monitor the ozone layer and assess pollutants. This program has achieved widespread success over the past twenty years, providing accurate and detailed information that is essential for understanding climate changes.
Projects
Environmental Research and Its Impact
Since the beginning of the SWOT mission to monitor rising water levels on the Earth’s surface, data has been collected to aid in understanding oceanic energy and its relationship with life and the environment. This mission represents a significant step in water resource management and understanding ocean dynamics. Over the past year and a half, SWOT data has provided researchers with a better understanding of the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, leading to improved responses to all types of floods and environmental hazards.
Recently, researchers have used SWOT data to measure the total volume of water during major floods in southern Brazil to analyze the behavior of such natural phenomena and prepare for the future. In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Water is working on integrating SWOT water height maps into flood prediction systems. In Egypt, there are ongoing efforts to utilize SWOT data to improve dam operations in the Nile River basin.
The results of these projects intersect with all aspects of daily life, including agriculture, public health, and urban planning, reflecting the importance of accurate and reliable data in managing natural resources. Ongoing and accurate scientific research helps improve the community’s response to climate changes and environmental risks.
Exploring New Data from Space Missions
Missions like PACE have dual importance in monitoring clouds and their effects on the environment. This mission is coupled with the PACE-PAX project, which collected vital data through airborne experiments, allowing researchers to now delve into the fine details of atmospheric interactions.
These campaigns represent a significant advancement in environmental imaging and monitoring, providing precise data on the quality of clouds and their long-term impact on the climate. Monitoring these conditions aids in improving weather forecasts and understanding the dynamics of various environments.
This data opens new horizons for research and practical applications across many scientific fields. PACE data is expected to enhance ecosystems and indicate how nature responds to climate changes. The greatest appeal lies in the necessity for collaboration among different institutions to ensure easy access to this data and maximize its benefits.
The Blue Flux Campaign and Its Impact on Blue Carbon Management in Florida
The Blue Flux campaign organized by NASA aims to enhance scientific understanding of Florida’s coastal environment and its role in the carbon cycle. The campaign included a series of ground and airborne missions launched from Homestead Air Base near Miami, conducting more than 34 flights to expand the range of data collected about the coastal ecosystem in South Florida. This natural framework extends from Lake Okeechobee and the northern bays to salt marshes and mangrove forests along the southern coast of the state.
The data collected indicates the importance of a deep understanding of how coastal ecosystems are connected to carbon cycles, as these ecosystems play a vital role in carbon absorption and storage. Techniques like emission measurements and obtaining baseline data have contributed to strengthening the understanding of past water functions and climate change impacts on them. This data may also contribute to developing effective strategies for blue carbon management and preserving biodiversity.
For example, mangrove forests not only provide refuge for numerous species but also play an active role in carbon storage as part of their natural response to environmental changes. Thus, the existence of research programs like Blue Flux helps predict potential environmental responses to climate changes and enhances sustainable natural resource management plans.
Community Engagement in the Science Support Office
Nasa’s Science Support Office (SSO) is making significant efforts to enhance scientific awareness and community engagement through a variety of activities. One of the standout events organized by the office is the support for the total solar eclipse in April 2024. Educational activities were organized at multiple locations along the path designated for viewing the eclipse, allowing the public to educate themselves about space science and the importance of astronomical phenomena.
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The activities were not limited to the eclipse alone, but also included support for the United Nations Future Summit held in New York. By supporting specialized working groups like the Sea Level Change Team, NASA demonstrates its commitment to scientific research and addressing global environmental challenges. This type of interaction with international institutions enhances the ability of science to influence policy-making.
By promoting community engagement, NASA aims to stimulate scientific participation, reflecting the growing importance of science in communicating with the public. Typically, meetings are held to share important data and scientific contributions, allowing individuals to learn and contribute to the collective understanding of environmental issues. There are also educational experiences available, such as using massive display screens showcasing visual information and engaging scientific experiments that facilitate communication with children and youth about space science.
NASA’s Exhibition at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Meeting and Its Scientific Contributions
NASA is preparing for a comprehensive showcase of its projects at the anticipated American Geophysical Union meeting in December 2024. There will be around 40 different projects focusing on everything from the James Webb Telescope to the Airborne Science Fleet, indicating the diversity of ongoing research and innovations. In this context, the event is an opportunity to present scientific data to a variety of audiences, enhancing deep understanding and public engagement in science.
The event will also feature a series of presentations on a hyperwall screen, allowing for the sharing of scientific stories in an engaging manner. The use of these modern technologies demonstrates NASA’s ability to convey information interactively, where participants can see results and cutting-edge techniques in action, contributing to sparking their curiosity about the importance of scientific research.
In addition to the showcase activities, there will be around 40 technical presentations focused on augmented reality applications and data visualization. These activities illustrate how technology can be utilized to enhance scientific understanding, supporting the idea that sharing science also requires new and innovative methods.
This type of scientific gathering is not only for showcasing but is also a space for discussion and intellectual exchange regarding current challenges and opportunities in the fields of earth sciences. Contributors from various disciplines strive to collaborate and share knowledge that enhances global efforts to address vital issues related to climate change and environmental literacy.
Source link: https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/the-earth-observer-editors-corner-fall-2024/
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