Sentinel-3C Captures First Hurricane Image With Surface Temperature Radiometer

The European Space Agency’s Sentinel-3C satellite has captured its first hurricane image using its sea and land surface temperature radiometer. The instrument imaged Hurricane Rachel over the eastern Pacific Ocean, demonstrating that its visible channels are working as expected. The image marks another milestone in the commissioning of Europe’s newest Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite.

 

Details of the Image

 

The satellite captured an image. It shows a hurricane. This was over the Pacific. It lay off Mexico. The radiometer took it.

The image proved the instrument. Its visible channels work. They perform as expected. It marks a milestone. It aids commissioning.

 

The Satellite Mission

 

The satellite is the third in a series. It launched in September. An agency operates it. It is still being commissioned. It is early in service.

The satellite carries many instruments. These measure Earth’s oceans. Land is covered. The cryosphere features. The atmosphere is included.

 

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The Instrument Capabilities

 

The instrument observes many bands. These span nine. They cover visible light. Infrared features. Fire detection channels are included.

The instrument measures temperature. This is its primary role. It uses thermal channels. These cover sea and land. They deliver key data.

 

Significance of the Milestone

 

The visible channels support accuracy. They detect clouds. This prevents contamination. They aid correction. They improve data quality.

The milestone signals progress. Other instruments returned images. Thermal images are still to come. The satellite is being prepared. It will deliver observations.