Satellite meteorology

Satellite meteorology uses sensors aboard satellites to observe atmospheric and surface conditions, including clouds, temperature, moisture, and precipitation.

Weather satellite: A satellite designed to observe Earth's atmosphere, land, or oceans for weather and climate purposes. These spacecraft carry the instruments that make satellite meteorology possible.
Electromagnetic spectrum: The full range of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by wavelength or frequency. Meteorological sensors select spectral regions that reveal different atmospheric and surface properties.
Numerical weather prediction: Weather forecasting that uses computer models to solve equations describing the atmosphere. Satellite radiances and derived observations initialize and constrain forecasts, especially over oceans.
Weather radar: A ground-based system that transmits radio waves and detects echoes from precipitation and other targets. Radar resolves precipitation structure locally, while satellites offer much wider coverage.
Geostationary orbit: An orbit in which a satellite circles Earth above the equator at the same rate Earth rotates. It provides continuous views of the same region for tracking rapidly changing weather.
Infrared window: A range of infrared wavelengths that can pass through much of the atmosphere with limited absorption. Window-channel measurements help estimate cloud-top and surface temperatures.
Hurricane satellite imagery: Satellite observations used to monitor tropical cyclones, including their clouds, temperatures, and structure. Frequent imagery tracks storm organization where direct measurements are sparse.
Radiosonde: An instrument package carried by a weather balloon to measure atmospheric conditions through a vertical profile. Balloon soundings provide direct profiles at limited locations; satellites observe broad areas remotely.
Polar orbit: An orbit passing near both poles as Earth rotates beneath the spacecraft. Repeated passes give broad global coverage that geostationary satellites cannot provide.
Water vapor imagery: Satellite imagery made from radiation absorbed and emitted by water vapor in the atmosphere. It reveals moisture patterns and upper-level flow, not simply cloud cover.

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