GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) is the NOAA’s fleet of satellites that enhance weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and climate research. GOES satellites occupy geostationary positions above Earth at 35,790 km or 22,240 miles in altitude, allowing them to continually view the continental United States, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Central and South America and southern Canada.
A GOES satellite carries two sets of instruments that measure and observe the atmosphere, Earth and space. One set of instruments is called the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). ABI enables scientists to see atmospheric phenomena such as clouds, surface temperatures and water vapor with great detail. The other set of instruments is the Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensor (EXIS). This instrument measures solar radiation upwelling from the Sun. It detects solar flares and monitors the sun’s interaction with Earth’s magnetic field, which can affect the operation of military and civilian radio wave and satellite communication and navigation systems, high altitude aviators and power grids on Earth.
The GOES-R Series, which began launching in 2016, contains several new capabilities. The GOES-R Imager scans five times faster, has four times the resolution and three times the number of spectral channels than previous GOES satellites. GOES-R also carries an enhanced sounder that measures vertical thermal and water vapor structures in the atmosphere, and the GOES-R Cryosphere Sounder that tracks the formation of polar vortices, jet streaks and other dynamic features.
In addition to observing Earth’s weather, the GOES-R sensors can detect spacecraft and other cosmic debris. They can also monitor solar activity and space weather that affects our planet’s atmosphere, magnetic field, electricity and communications systems.
Scientists are analyzing a wealth of data from the recently launched GOES-R Series satellites. They are discovering a variety of interesting environmental phenomena and meteorological events.
A new analysis method is improving the ability to see details within clouds, which could lead to improved weather forecasting and storm warnings. Scientists use GOES data to understand the complex interactions of clouds and Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and environment. GOES data is available free through NOAA’s Public Access Program and is used by meteorologists, researchers, the public and private businesses.
GOES-R has been observing many of the Earth’s most dramatic and important events, including lightning in east Texas, wildfires in the southwest and blowing dust in Chile.
GOES-R will continue to provide vital environmental information. The next launch is scheduled for November 16, but the weather is causing some concern. A minor issue with an Atlas V booster has pushed back the GOES-R satellite’s launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The NOAA GOES-R team is working towards a solution.