GOES, which stands for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, is an environmental satellite system operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that monitors the Earth’s atmosphere, the oceans and surrounding regions. The satellites are also used for detecting and monitoring ash plumes associated with volcanic eruptions. This data is used by the National Weather Service to help with weather forecasting. The satellites have been in operation since 1975 and provide continuous imagery of the Earth. These images help meteorologists monitor cloud types and storm movement. This information is also used to develop numerical weather prediction models. It is a vital part of weather forecasting and research.
The GOES system is designed to provide near continuous observational information to ground-based user stations. The satellites are designed to operate at a distance of 35,800 kilometers above the surface. This is accomplished by orbiting the equatorial plane of the Earth at a speed that matches the Earth’s rotation. The satellites are controlled from the Satellite Operations Control Center in Suitland, Maryland. These satellites are a part of the GOES-N series, which is designed to provide a better understanding of long-term climate conditions.
The GOES satellite system has been providing continuous imagery since 1975. The system uses several observing subsystems, including an Imager, a Sounder and a Data Collection System. These instruments have regular schedules that they follow to scan the Earth. These instruments can help meteorologists determine the speed of clouds, as well as the height of clouds. GOES images also help meteorologists track storm movements. GOES data is used by the National Weather Service, universities and commercial weather services. In addition, GOES data is used by research centers to assist in climate research. This data is also used to assist in search and rescue of people in distress.
The instruments on the GOES satellites provide data about the temperature of the surface and cloud tops, as well as the distribution of ozone. In addition, the satellites can also detect vertical atmospheric temperature profiles and turbulence features. The GOES data is used to improve the accuracy of numerical weather prediction models. It also provides real-time coverage of tropical cyclones and severe local storms. In addition to data, the GOES system relays data from remotely located insitu sites.
The satellites also provide information about the activity of the sun. GOES instruments are equipped with spectral response functions from the Center for Weather and Climate Services (CWG). These functions are used to produce an approximation of the human eye from space. The Imager and Sounder are the primary payload instruments. In addition, GOES-R band, which combines several GOES-R channels, is used for air temperature estimation. It is also used for determining the location of the tropopause.
GOES satellites are a vital component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Service’s (NOAA) weather forecasting system. The satellites provide near continuous observational information about the Earth’s atmosphere and the surrounding oceans. The data from the GOES satellites is used to create images of the Earth. These images are hosted on the GOES Image Viewer.