Weather satellites are now operated by the United States, Japan, Europe, Russia, India, and China.
These weather satellites provide invaluable information to meterologists and climatologists. In addition, individuals all over the globe enjoy these fascinating pictures of the Earth from outer space.
Free Weather Satellite Images on the Web
The NOAA's Geostationary Satellite Server provides visibile light, infrared, and water vapor images of the Continental United States, Puerto Rico, and Alaska and the Pacific, Gulf Atlantic, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and East Coast.
These images are created by NOAA's GEOS East and GEOS West satellites, which maintain geostationary orbits above the equator.
The Japan Meteorological Agency provides free weather satellite imagery of Japan and East Asia.
Europe's Meteorological Satellite Organization provides free public access to weather satellite pictures of Europe and the Indian Ocean.
Alternatives to Weather Satellite Images
In the United States, the National Weather Services provides free public access to images from the National Doppler Radar Sites.
These images are superior in most ways to weather satellite pictures. The Doppler radar images provide data on:
- Base Reflectivity
- Composite Reflectivity
- Base Velocity
- Storm Relative Motion
- One-Hour Precipitation
- Storm Total Precipitation
