GOES stands for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. They remain at a fixed point above the earth because they are rotating at the same rate the Earth is. There is a fixed point in space this can be accomplished and it is at an altitude of 21,000 miles above the earth's surface and above the equator. These satellites give us much of the satellite weather data we use in operational meteorology. Since they are at a fixed point above the earth we can see how the clouds change over time. A new image is available approximately every half hour. Below are links to the two GOES that are in operation to serve the Western Hemisphere. Information below posted in year 2008: Here is the current view of GOES East-12 IR http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/ramsdis/online/goes-west_goes-east.asp Here is a current view of GOES West-11 IR http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/ramsdis/online/goes-west_goes-east.asp GOES-10 is being used as a backup to GOES East since this position is critical in monitoring hurricanes and United States weather. |