logo
NOAA GOES-17 Sends 'First Light' Image to Earth
news image
Special Stories
5 Apr 2018 7:42 AM
From NOAA The first-light' images have been received from the recently launched NOAA GOES-17 satellite. On March 22, the GOES-17 Magnetometer (MAG) became the first instrument on the satellite to begin transmitting data. The Magnetometers on the GOES-R series of satellites (including GOES-16, currently GOES East, and now GOES-17), can observe more wave frequencies, at five times higher resolution, allowing us to conduct new research into space weather. The space weather products from the magnetometer data can help scientists better forecast the likelihood that elevated levels of dangerous energetic particles will occur during events like solar flares. The figure at the top shows data from the outboard Magnetometer instrument on board the GOES-17 satellite. The data has been filtered to highlight a space weather phenomenon known as plasma waves. These waves play significant roles in controlling the levels of dangerous energetic particles that cause damage to satellites and harm astronauts. An important characteristic of these waves is their frequency, or how fast they oscillate up and down (shown in the bottom panel of the figure). [GOES-R with Earth in the background. Credits: NASA] When the waves interact with the particles, some types of waves oscillate in a way that accelerate particles to dangerous radiation levels while other types oscillate at frequencies that can scatter the particles and decrease the threat they pose. Forecasting the level of energetic particles is complicated by the fact that both types of waves occur during space weather events. The Magnetometers on the GOES-R series of satellites, with five times higher resolution, expands the wave frequencies observed from both types of waves allowing us to undertake research into new space weather products that help forecasters better forecast the likelihood that elevated levels of dangerous energetic particles will occur during space weather events. Edited for WeatherNation by Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
Mississippi Tornado Produces "Catastrophic Damage", Death Toll Rising
Mississippi Tornado Produces "Catastrophic Damage", Death Toll Rising
A tornado emergency occurred on Friday night
25 Mar 2023 1:45 PM
Severe Storms & Record Heat in the Southeast Today
Severe Storms & Record Heat in the Southeast Today
A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexic
25 Mar 2023 1:40 PM
Severe Storms and Snow in the Northeast this Weekend
Severe Storms and Snow in the Northeast this Weekend
A few severe storms will be possible today in
25 Mar 2023 1:35 PM
Severe Storm Threat Carries into Sunday Across the Gulf Coast
Severe Storm Threat Carries into Sunday Across the Gulf Coast
Another front on Sunday across the Gulf Coast
25 Mar 2023 12:50 PM
Winter Storm System to Hit the Upper Great Lakes this Weekend
Winter Storm System to Hit the Upper Great Lakes this Weekend
Another low-pressure system moving through th
25 Mar 2023 3:10 AM
Snowpack in California Creeping Closer to Top Spot - More Snow next Week
Snowpack in California Creeping Closer to Top Spot - More Snow next Week
CALIFORNIA - We have had an e! there is no si
24 Mar 2023 10:25 PM
Flooding Turns Fatal in Missouri
Flooding Turns Fatal in Missouri
Heavy rain brought on by torrential downpours
24 Mar 2023 8:20 PM