Satellites & Bleaching SST Remote Sensing
Intro to Remote Sensing  |  What Is Remote Sensing?  |   Electromagnetic Spectrum  |  NOAA Satellites  |  Satellite Parameters  |   Measuring Sea Surface Temperature from Satellites

This diagram shows the orbital path of a NOAA polar-orbiting satellite. Click the image for an animation of the POES orbit.

NOAA operates two different types of environmental satellites that carry remote sensing instruments. Some of the satellites stay fixed above a certain spot on the Earth’s equator: these are called geostationary satellites (GOES). The other kind orbits around the Earth, passing close to the north and south poles on each orbit many times a day: these are called polar-orbiting satellites (POES).

Geostationary satellites stay in the same position relative to Earth, so they can take frequent measurements of the same area throughout the day and night. However, each satellite can only see a fraction of the Earth’s surface.

Because coral reefs are located all around the world, Coral Reef Watch uses NOAA’s polar-orbiting satellites. Although they can only measure a given area once or twice a day, they have the advantage of taking measurements around the entire planet.

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