What is the GOES-R Series?
The GOES-R series (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) is the new generation of weather satellites operated by NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States). These satellites, located in geostationary orbit about 35,800 kilometers from Earth, provide real-time weather imagery with unprecedented resolution and frequency.
Thanks to this technology, meteorologists, farmers, emergency managers, and the general public can observe the evolution of storms, hurricanes, fires, and other atmospheric phenomena with updates every 30 seconds or even every minute in rapid scan mode.
Main Satellites in the GOES-R Series
The GOES-R series consists of four satellites: GOES-16 (GOES-R), GOES-17 (GOES-S), GOES-18 (GOES-T), and GOES-19 (GOES-U, launched in 2024). Each is designed to cover different regions of the Western Hemisphere.
GOES-16: The Eastern Sentinel
Launched in November 2016, GOES-16 (also known as GOES-East) monitors eastern North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the western Atlantic. It is key for early detection of hurricanes in the Atlantic and severe storms in the United States.
GOES-17 and GOES-18: Western Surveillance
GOES-17 (GOES-West) covers western North America and the eastern Pacific, while GOES-18, launched in 2022, is in a backup position and also monitors the Pacific. Together, they provide nearly continuous coverage of the Americas.
GOES-19: The Newest
GOES-19 (GOES-U) was launched in June 2024 and is the last of the series. It includes a new instrument, the Compact Coronagraph-1, which improves space weather observation, in addition to the already known atmospheric instruments.
Key Instruments Onboard
The GOES-R series incorporates several advanced instruments that enable comprehensive weather monitoring:
- ABI (Advanced Baseline Imager): captures images in 16 spectral bands, from visible to infrared, with a resolution of up to 0.5 km in the visible channel.
- GLM (Geostationary Lightning Mapper): detects lightning in real time, helping to anticipate severe storms and tornadoes.
- SUVI (Solar Ultraviolet Imager): monitors solar activity and solar flares, vital information for protecting satellites and power grids.
- EXIS (Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors): measures extreme solar radiation, useful for space weather forecasting.
- MAG (Magnetometer): measures Earth's magnetic field and its disturbances.
Benefits for South America and the World
Although the GOES-R satellites are American-made, their data are freely and globally accessible. This means that South American countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia, can use these images to improve their forecasts and early warnings.
Applications in Agriculture
Farmers can monitor cloud cover, estimate precipitation, and detect frost or droughts with greater accuracy. For example, the NDVI vegetation index derived from GOES-R imagery helps assess crop health and plan irrigation.
Natural Disaster Management
In the face of wildfires, volcanic eruptions, or floods, high-frequency imagery allows emergency teams to act quickly. The GLM, for instance, is essential for anticipating thunderstorms that can spark fires.
Where to Access GOES-R Imagery
There are several free platforms to view real-time images:
- NOAA GOES Image Viewer: the official site with interactive maps and multiple bands.
- RAMMB/CIRA SLIDER: an advanced tool for zooming and comparing historical imagery.
- Contingencias: our app integrates GOES-R data to provide accurate alerts and local forecasts.
Tips to Make the Most of This Technology
If you are a weather professional or simply an enthusiast, we recommend:
- Explore the different bands (visible, infrared, water vapor) to better understand phenomena.
- Use the animation feature to see the evolution of a storm over the past hours.
- Combine GOES-R imagery with radar and ground station data for a complete analysis.
The GOES-R series has revolutionized weather observation. Knowing its capabilities will help you make better decisions, whether in the field, in the city, or in emergency situations.