How weather satellites work

Weather satellites are fundamental tools for weather prediction and climate monitoring. Thanks to them, it is possible to obtain precise and timely information on atmospheric phenomena at a global level. But how exactly do these devices that orbit our planet work?

What is a weather satellite?

A weather satellite is a type of artificial satellite designed to observe the Earth’s atmospheric and climatic conditions. There are two main types of weather satellites: geostationary satellites and polar satellites.

-Geostationary satellites: They orbit at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s equator. They remain in a fixed position with respect to the Earth’s surface, which allows them to constantly monitor the same region. They are ideal for observing large-scale weather events, such as hurricanes and storms.

-Polar satellites: They orbit at lower altitudes, between 700 and 800 kilometers, and travel around the Earth from pole to pole. These satellites offer global coverage and allow detailed data to be obtained from all regions of the planet.

Technology on board weather satellites

Meteorological satellites are equipped with various high-tech instruments that allow them to collect information about the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface and the oceans. Among the most common instruments are:

-Radiometers: They detect radiation emitted or reflected by the Earth at different wavelengths, including visible light, infrared and microwaves. This allows the temperature of the Earth’s surface and clouds to be measured.

-Spectrometers: They analyze the composition of the atmosphere by detecting different gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and ozone.

-Image scanners: They capture detailed images of the Earth, allowing you to observe the formation and movement of clouds, storms and other weather phenomena.

-Radar altimeters: They measure the height of ocean waves and sea levels, which is crucial for monitoring tsunamis and changes in sea level due to global warming.

(Photo: Meteosat)

How satellites transform data into predictions

Once the data is collected by instruments aboard the satellites, it is transmitted to ground stations. The data is processed and analyzed using mathematical models and advanced algorithms that simulate the behavior of the atmosphere. Meteorologists use this information to generate climate maps and make weather predictions.

Satellite images, combined with measurements of temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and winds, make it possible to identify weather patterns and predict extreme events, such as severe storms, cyclones and heat waves.

Weather satellite applications

The data provided by weather satellites has a significant impact in multiple areas:

-Weather forecast: Satellite information improves the accuracy of short- and long-term weather forecasts.

-Disaster management: They allow early monitoring of hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters, facilitating decision making to protect lives and property.

-Climate research: They contribute to the study of climate change by observing long-term trends in temperature, precipitation patterns and sea level.

-Agriculture: Farmers use weather data to plan crops and optimize the use of resources such as water.

Despite everything, the large amount of data generated requires a powerful processing and storage infrastructure. Additionally, conditions in outer space, such as radiation and space debris, can affect the operation of satellites.

The future of weather satellites points towards the development of smaller, more accessible satellites, known as CubeSats, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve data interpretation. In addition, new technologies are being explored, such as the use of lasers to measure wind speed and humidity in different layers of the atmosphere.