50 years of satellite weather

 

Panoramic view of the Cité de l’Espace’s new weather centre. From 2 February to 31 March, this adventure park in Toulouse is offering one free child entry for every adult entry paid for (see conditions on their internet website). Credit: Cité de l’espace

Every day we use space technology that came into being 50 years ago and which has changed drastically. Yes, every day and very often we do not even realise it... What is it? The weather forecast! A little more than 50 years ago, on 17 February 1959 to be exact, the United States launched Vanguard 2, the first weather satellite. By looking at the Earth from space, we hoped to get a global view in order to better observe and understand the movements of the cloud masses and other parameters used for forecasting the weather. Unfortunately, although the idea was good, Vanguard 2 provided very little data due to a technical hitch. And it was the following year, in 1960 (on 1 April but it was no April fool!) that Tiros-1 took over. This time, its 78 days of fruitful observations made it a total success.

From forecasting to the climate
Today, several weather satellites examine the Earth in the visible, infrared and other light wavelength ranges in order to give meteorologists (and more exactly their computers) a flow of data which is added to the numerous measurements taken on Earth or in the air (balloons and airplanes) in the aim of forecasting the weather for the next day with more and more accuracy. Just think, the European satellite Meteosat 8 sends a weather picture covering the whole of Europe every 5 minutes so that the changes in various parameters can be better followed! The most well-known element of the space system as regards the weather is without doubt the famous map or satellite picture that is used for every television channel weather report. It is so much a part of our every day life that we do not usually think about what is behind it: an industry capable of making satellites, rockets for launching them, operations centres for controlling them, not forgetting the essential engineers and technicians and, of course, the forecasters who interpret the data gathered from Earth orbit. Sign of the times, weather satellites are no longer satisfied with forecasting the weather in the short term. Scientists actually believe that the measurements accumulated over the decades, and those to come, will make it possible to better follow and understand the climate changes that we are noticing. Changes that will modify the face of our planet. Do you realise that sea ice (pack ice) could totally disappear as of the second half of this century.

You can become a TV presenter and forecast tomorrow’s weather in the new weather centre at the Cité de l’Espace. Credit: Cité de l’espace

Present your TV weather report at the Cité de l’Espace
Proof of how important this space sector is, the Cité de l’Espace has renewed and enlarged its weather centre. Why? So that everyone, both big and small, can experience the reality of modern meteorology through interactive, fun workshops. Visitors to the Space Park in Toulouse will notably be able to talk to a co-ordinator from Météo-France who will explain satellite images received in real time to them. If you fancy yourself as a TV presenter, there is a studio with camera, blue background and inlaid maps at your disposition so that you can present your weather report like a true professional. “Today, the weather will be sunny in Toulouse”, you will say as you point out the town. But you will find out that it takes a little practise to be able to point to the right place on the map... A good laugh is to be had by all!

The presenters of the French television programme “C’est pas sorcier” on France 3 are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their science popularisation programme. Credit: France 3

Play with France 3
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the French television programme “C’est pas Sorcier”, France 3 is giving you the chance to win entries to the Cité de l’Espace by means of an on-line quiz game. Should you wish to take part, just follow the link below and register with Club France Télévision (free of charge). Reread this article carefully as it contains the answers to the questions asked.

France 3’s on-line game (in French)

Published on 2 February 2010