The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory: Follow the Water

The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory: Follow the Water

09-01-2016

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The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory: Follow the Water NASA and JAXA are about to launch a new satellite that can see through storms, tracking rain and snow around the globe better than any previous observatory. The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory is scheduled to lift off from Japan on Feb. 27th.

In addition to measuring heavy-to-moder- ate rainfall, the GPM Core Observatory will measure light rain and detect falling snow. Light rain and snowfall account for a signifi- cant fraction of precipitation, especially in middle and high latitudes.

Also the data records that began with previous precipitation missions, such as TRMM, and improve precipitation estimates around the globe. The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory: Follow the Water as shown above in video shows how The mission will help scientists understand how local, regional and global precipitation patterns change over time.

Data from multiple satellite overpasses can be stitched together to create maps of precipitation from 65˚ north to 65˚ south latitude. Image credits: NASA In addition to measuring heavy-to-moder- ate rainfall, the GPM Core Observatory will measure light rain and detect falling snow.

Credit: NASA

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