Satellite Operations and Capabilities

Summary of Satellite Foundational Course for GOES-R

• GOES-R satellite has different infrared bands with various uses, such as window channels and water vapor absorption channels.
• Parallax error occurs when clouds block the view of the surface, causing a shift in satellite observations.
• Parallax correction is applied using infrared imagery and is dependent on the height and location of the cloud.
• GOES-R has higher bit depth compared to legacy GOES satellites, allowing for more precise measurements.
• One-minute sampling is available in mesoscale sectors of GOES-R, providing better monitoring of cloud top features and fires.
• The figure insert shows brightness temperatures for the Buffalo Oklahoma fire at 1-minute increments.
• Mesoscale sectors on GOES-R can be moved to observe specific areas of interest with better temporal scanning.
• GOES-16 (GOES-East) has superior spatial resolution up to 120 degrees west longitude, making it preferred by many West Coast weather forecast offices.
• GOES-R satellites, GOES-East and GOES-West, offer coverage from the Aleutians to the Eastern Caribbean and from Hawaii to the Canadian Maritimes.
• The training includes acronyms and links for more information about GOES-R.
• The satellite foundational course provides an overview of basic operations of the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on GOES-R.
• The course concludes with a summary of the topics covered and expresses appreciation for the attention given.