How are the satellites that detect water vapor made?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Satellites designed to detect water vapor utilize instruments that measure microwave radiation and various portions of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, particularly in the 5 - 8μm range. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employs these satellites to generate water vapor images. These satellites serve as vehicles for the sensors that collect atmospheric data, enabling real-time retrieval of satellite images through platforms like the Dundee Satellite Receiving Station.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic spectrum and its applications
  • Familiarity with satellite technology and instrumentation
  • Knowledge of atmospheric science, specifically water vapor detection
  • Basic skills in using satellite image retrieval platforms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and functionality of NOAA satellites
  • Explore the principles of microwave radiation in atmospheric studies
  • Learn about the electromagnetic spectrum and its relevance to remote sensing
  • Investigate the Dundee Satellite Receiving Station and its data access methods
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for atmospheric scientists, satellite engineers, remote sensing specialists, and anyone interested in the technology behind water vapor detection and satellite imagery.

RayFox30
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
How are the satellites that detect water vapor made? What goes into them that allow companies such as NOAA to create those water vapor images?
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to give it its proper name), is an agency of the US government, not a private company.

Satellites are just the vehicles which carry the sensors into orbit. Microwave radiation from the atmosphere is used to estimate the amount of water vapor.
 
The satellites have instruments to detect many different portions of the EM spectrum. Water vapour is often detected in the 5 - 8μm range.

If you create a free account on this website:
http://www.sat.dundee.ac.uk/
you can retrieve satellite images from many different platforms in near real time and also browse the archive.
 

Similar threads

How does water vapor in the atmosphere form under normal conditions?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
Where can I find water vapor images?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Expected visible vapor time of boiling water at STP without any heat?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Vapor pressure -- How does water still boil at 100°C in an open pot?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Does Condensation of Water Vapor Constitute Heat Transfer?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Undergrad Calculating vapor pressure from Boltzmann distribution?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Mass of vapor per hour for heating water
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Thermodynamics Energy when flashing water -- How much water will be vaporized?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
What the escape rate of water vapor into space?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Undergrad How does evaporation generate cooling? Swamp coolers edition
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K