Science from space - Introduction to satellites - Resource Bundle

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Science from space - Introduction to satellites

These slides provide an introduction to Earth Observation satellites, the different types, how they work, and how they are used in scientific research.

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Introduction to satellites

Introduction to satellites

Introduction to satellites

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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A view from space - Introduction to satellites

A view from space - Introduction to satellites Key learning points: Satellites are objects which orbit a larger body. Artificial satellites are launched for many different jobs, including telecommunications, navigation, scientific research, weather forecasting Earth Observation satellites carry sensors that collect data about Earth or atmosphere processes. These sensors are either active or passive and measure different wavelengths of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum. Satellites give us a "big picture" view our world and are really important for collecting data about the oceans.

A view from space - Introduction to satellites

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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What do you think of when you hear the word “satellite”?

What do you think of when you hear the word “satellite”?

What do you think of when you hear the word “satellite”?

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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What is a satellite?

What is a satellite? A satellite is an object that moves around, or ‘orbits’, a larger object . Satellites can be natural or man-made The Earth itself is a natural satellite because it moves around the Sun Can you think of another natural satellite? Did you know the term satellite is derived from the Latin word “ satelles ”, meaning “guard”, “attendant” or “companion”

What is a satellite?

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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What is a satellite?

What is a satellite? Usually, “satellite” refers to “man-made” satellites. These are launched into space to orbit Earth or another body in space. There are thousands of man-made or artificial satellites orbiting the earth. These have different jobs: Communications: R elay television, radio and phone signals around the world. Weather: Gather weather data used by meteorologists to forecast weather. Research: Take measurements of the Earth, sun or other objects to help us learn about the Earth, the solar system, and the universe. Navigational: Provide precise positioning to help determine a location on the earth’s surface – you may have heard the terms ‘satnav’ or ‘GPS’. Image of a Sentinel-3 satellite, one of the satellites used to observe the oceans. Credit: ESA

What is a satellite?

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Anatomy of an Earth Observation Satellite

Anatomy of an Earth Observation Satellite Earth Observation Satellites are satellites that orbit Earth with sensors designed to collect imagery and measurements of planet’s physics, chemistry and biology. Earth Observation Satellites come in many shapes and sizes. But they have a few parts in common: Sensors are the instruments that collect data about Earth processes or atmosphere

Anatomy of an Earth Observation Satellite

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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Satellite orbits

Satellite orbits Satellites can be placed in several different types of orbit around earth depending on their job. The two most common are: An orbit is a regular, repeating path that one object in space takes around another one. Geostationary In this orbit, the satellite moves in the same direction and at the same rate Earth is spinning, so the satellite remains above the same point on the Earth's surface. ~36,000 km above earth Used for weather observations, communications, and navigation satellites Image from the Meteosat Second Generation Geostationary satellite over 0º N 0º E. Credit: NEODAAS An animation showing a spacecraft in geostationary orbit. Credit: NASA

Satellite orbits

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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Satellite orbits

Satellite orbits Polar (low earth orbit) In this orbit, the satellite travels from pole to pole closer to Earth and orbit earth several times a day. ~700-800 km above earth Used for many scientific applications, including mapping vegetation and land cover, ice, pollution, fires Animation of Sentinel 3 satellite showing the ‘swath’ of the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument- the area of the Earth's surface that its sensor can see as it orbits the planet. Credit : ©ESA/ATG medialab An animation showing a spacecraft in a polar orbit. Credit: NASA

Satellite orbits

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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What do sensors measure from space?

What do sensors measure from space? Sensors measure the amount of light being reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface in different parts of the Electromagnetic Spectrum . Sensors may detect visible light, the wavelengths we can see with the human eye, but they can also detect much longer radio waves, microwaves and infrared radiation. Measuring the energy reflected or emitted in these different wavelengths on the Electromagnetic Spectrum can reveal additional information about the earth. The wavelength of a wave is the distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave Long wavelength Short wavelength

What do sensors measure from space?

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Different types of EO sensors

Different types of EO sensors Sensors carried on satellites measure electromagnetic radiation but they need a source of energy to illuminate the Earth. There are 2 main types of sensor: Active and Passive Passive sensors Measure energy which is reflected and emitted from the Earth e.g. sunlight reflected from the earths surface They do not emit their own energy A camera (with its flash off!) is an example of a passive sensor, or the human eye! Passive sensors u sing visible light wavelengths produce images like we see on Google Earth. Diagram of a passive sensor. Credit: NASA Applied Sciences Remote Sensing Training Program

Different types of EO sensors

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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Different types of EO sensors

Different types of EO sensors Active sensors These sensors send their own energy to the target, like a light or radio pulse. They send signals down to Earth and record what bounces back. A camera with its flash on in a dark room is an example of an active sensor. A major advantage of active sensors is that they don't rely on sunlight, so they can also make observations at night. Diagram of an active sensor sending a signal to earth and measuring the return. Credit: NASA Applied Sciences Remote Sensing Training Program

Different types of EO sensors

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Why are satellites important for learning about the oceans?

Why are satellites important for learning about the oceans? Satellites can see large areas of Earth at one time. This means they can collect large amounts of data quickly compared to instruments on the ground. They have many applications for ocean research, including: Measuring sea surface temperature : Helps track climate change, predict weather patterns, and monitor the health of marine ecosystems. Observing winds, waves & currents: Aids navigation, helps us understand global climate systems and the distribution of marine life. Tracking Sea Level: Helps us understand impact of melting ice caps and predict coastal risk. Identifying oil spills and pollution: Helps authorities respond to environmental disasters, minimizing damage to marine environments. Recording ocean colour: Used to monitor ocean health of the global oceans.

Why are satellites important for learning about the oceans?

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Satellites give us a "big picture" view our world, helping us better understand our planet!

Satellites give us a "big picture" view our world, helping us better understand our planet!

Satellites give us a "big picture" view our world, helping us better understand our planet!

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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External resources:

External resources: NASA Eyes on Earth – Fly along with NASA's Earth science missions in near real-time, view observations on the globe and learn about recent events visible from space: https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/earth/#/ ESA’s Learn and discover portal - Find out more information on the many applications of the data collected by ESA’s satellites https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/search?category=learn-and-discover&learn_and_discover_type=data-application SatSchool - Further resources for EO in schools https://satschool-outreach.github.io/

External resources:

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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Quiz - questions

Quiz - questions Can you name a natural satellite? Can you give three uses of artificial satellites? If you want a satellite to remain over the same point on earth, what type of orbit would you use? What is the difference between an active and a passive sensor? Can you suggest one reason why satellites might be a useful tool for learning about the oceans compared to sampling from a coastal station or boat?

Quiz - questions

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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Quiz - answers

Quiz - answers The Earth (orbits the sun), the Moon (orbits Earth), Other planets(e.g. Neptune, Saturn, Jupyter ) and their moons (e.g. Jupiter – Ganymede) Telecommunications, weather monitoring, scientific research (including Earth observation, or astronomy) and navigation /positioning services A geostationary orbit Active sensors generate their own energy source to illuminate a target. Passive sensors do not emit their own energy, but instead measure energy that is reflected or emitted from the target (e.g. sunlight). Satellites can collect data over large areas of Earth, they can collect this data quickly and regularly, you cannot cover such large areas or revisit the area frequently with other data collection methods. Access to satellite data can be relatively cheap compared to conducting regular field or boat work. You can access remote areas where fieldwork would be challenging.

Quiz - answers

Original Slide Deck: Science from space - Introduction to satellites

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