North Atlantic Tropical Satellite Imagery
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The page was last updated on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 @ 6:00 pm EST
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The satellite images on this page are provided by the
Satelltie Services Division (SSD) of the
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) which provides real time access to satellite data and products for the public and government. The images are distributed by the
Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) which is also part of NESDIS. NESDIS is part of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the
Department of Commerce.
These images are from one of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) which provide the kind of continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. GOES circle the Earth in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit the equatorial plane of the Earth at a speed matching the Earth's rotation. This allows them to hover continuously over one position on the surface. The geosynchronous plane is about 35,800 km (22,300 miles) above the Earth, high enough to allow the satellites a full-disc view of the Earth. Because they stay above a fixed spot on the surface, they provide a constant vigil for the atmospheric "triggers" for severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms, and hurricanes. When these conditions develop the GOES satellites are able to monitor storm development and track their movements.
GOES satellite imagery is also used to estimate rainfall during the thunderstorms and hurricanes for flash flood warnings, as well as estimates snowfall accumulations and overall extent of snow cover. Such data help meteorologists issue winter storm warnings and spring snow melt advisories. Satellite sensors also detect ice fields and map the movements of sea and lake ice.
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Infrared (Channel 4) Loop
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Water Vapor Loop
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Visible (Daytime Only) Loop
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