Podcast Summary
New satellite to provide crucial data for climate scientists studying ocean impact of global warming: New satellite set to launch this weekend will help climate scientists gather vital data on ocean surface water locations, enhancing understanding of global warming's impact on oceans.
The upcoming launch of a new satellite this weekend could significantly contribute to climate science, particularly for those studying the impact of global warming on oceans. This satellite, which will focus on determining the exact location of water on the ocean surface, is crucial for climate scientists as it provides vital data that is difficult to obtain through other methods, especially for remote areas. The importance of this data lies in understanding the complex relationship between global warming and the oceans. Human activities are causing unprecedented changes to the atmosphere, and this new satellite will play a crucial role in helping scientists better understand these changes and their potential consequences.
Studying Climate Change from Space: Satellites like Topex Poseidon, launched in the late 1990s, help scientists study sea level rise from space, providing accurate data for climate models and enabling better preparation for climate change effects.
George H.W. Bush acknowledged climate change as a significant issue in the early 1990s, and scientists were seeking more government support for research, including using federal research ships and launching satellites to study the oceans from space. The first satellite, Topex Poseidon, was launched in the late 1990s to measure sea level rise, which was already occurring due to climate change. From its vantage point in space, the satellite allowed scientists to see the entire Earth and make more accurate climate models to predict sea level rise and help people prepare. Since then, several other sea level rise satellites have been launched, each one improving upon the previous one. The importance of these satellites lies in their ability to study the vast oceans from space and provide valuable data for understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change.
New satellite Sentinel 6 to measure sea level rise with 1 inch accuracy: Sentinel 6 satellite uses radar technology to measure sea level rise with 1 inch precision, providing valuable data for climate scientists for the next 10 years
Sentinel 6, a new satellite set to launch, will provide incredibly accurate measurements of sea level rise with a precision of about 1 inch from 800 miles up. This satellite uses radar technology to determine water height by measuring the time it takes for a radar beam to bounce back from the water surface. Sentinel 6 will make highly accurate measurements as it crisscrosses nearly the entire Earth every 10 days for the next 5 years. After that, an identical satellite will take over, ensuring 10 years of continuous, reliable data collection. Climate scientists are excited about this satellite because understanding the rate of sea level rise requires consistent data over long periods, and Sentinel 6 will provide that valuable information.
Sea level rise's global impact on climate: Sea level rise contributes to climate change by absorbing excess heat and expanding, causing global temperature implications.
Sea level rise isn't just an issue for coastal communities. The ocean's vast size means that changes there can impact the entire planet's climate. For instance, as ocean water heats up and expands, it causes the surface to rise, contributing to sea level rise. Scientists use sea level data to understand how much heat the ocean is absorbing, as water expands when it gets warmer. This information is crucial for predicting future climate conditions. People often assume that sea level rise doesn't concern them if they don't live near the coast, but the consequences can be far-reaching. The ocean plays a significant role in absorbing the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, and changes to the ocean can have significant implications for global temperatures.
Anticipation for Sentinel 6 satellite launch: Climate scientists await Sentinel 6 launch for crucial sea level rise data, understanding climate change impact. Launch scheduled for Nov 21, weather dependent.
Climate scientists are eagerly anticipating the launch of the Sentinel 6 satellite, which will provide crucial data on sea level rise and help determine if the water is coming from melting glaciers or ice caps. The accuracy and continuity of this data are essential for understanding the impact of climate change. The satellite is scheduled to launch on November 21st from California, but the weather must cooperate. This episode was produced by Thomas Lu, edited by Viet Lai, and fact-checked by Ariela Zabidi. For updates on the Sentinel 6 satellite, follow NPR's Instagram account. Additionally, BlackRock's podcast, The Bid, features discussions on investment challenges and the role of global capital markets in finding solutions.
