Jun

07th 2007

High quality satellite data available through USGS pilot project

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The USGS recently issued a press release announcing the availability of Landsat data through two USGS web sites:

As of June 4, 2007, the USGS will be releasing selected Landsat 7 image data of the United States through the Web (glovis.usgs.gov or earthexplorer.usgs.gov). These data are of high quality with limited cloud cover.

The move is part of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) in which user feedback will help define future distribution systems for the satellite imagery. 

Feb

18th 2007

Substorm Satellite Launched

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Substorm satellite launchedA Delta 2 rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, February 17th.  The satellite will probe geomagnetic substorms in the Earth’s atmosphere in a mission to figure out the cause of these substorms. 

Scientists hope the $200 million Themis mission unravels the mystery behind the storms that can damage communications satellites, disable power grids and shoot high levels of radiation down on spacewalking astronauts and airplane passengers flying over northern latitudes.

Source: Physorg.com

Feb

15th 2007

Real-time Satellite Tracking

Filed Under GPS, Google Maps, Satellite | Leave a Comment

Ever been curious where the satellites are orbiting in relation to the earth? Now you can track satellites through a Google Mashup offered at http://www.n2yo.com/. The site offers categorized satellites that you can click on the link to in order to see where that satellite currently is and to view the real-time tracking of that satellite. Track popular, well-known satellites like the Hubble Telescope, or browse the categories to track a type of satellite. Categories include geostationary, military and GPS satellites. When you track a satellite, the location is displayed on a Google mashup in the middle of the screen. Off to the upper right hand side of the browser, detailed information about the satellite is displayed including a description of the satellite’s purpose. If you are logged in, you can also click on the “What’s up in the sky link” to see the satellites orbiting over your home’s location.