Defense Meteorological Satellite Program

The latest defense meteorological satellite, DMSP F17, built in Sunnyvale by Lockheed Martin, was launched into space aboard the 207-foot-tall Boeing Delta 4 rocket from Space Launch Complex 6 at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. The $370 million satellite took 18 minutes to reach its 450 nautical mile orbit in 2006.

Television Weather Satellite Images

Geostationary satellites orbit the earth around 22,500 miles above the equator once every 24 hours, keeping pace exactly with the earth's rotation. GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) is the type of geostationary satellite use to create most of the weather satellite images we use on television.

Dept. of Defense Weather Satellites

The Department of Defense began the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) during the 1960's. DMSP satellites help determine cloud type and height, land and surface water temperatures, water currents, ocean surface features, ice, and snow. The information helps plan and conduct military operations.

POES Weather Satellite Data

The polar orbiter satellites provide infrared and visible data as the travel over the Earth’s surface from pole to pole. It generates more than 16,000 global measurements daily, gathering data over remote ocean areas. One of the measurements provided is atmospheric ozone level. The polar orbiter can detect the ‘ozone hole’ over Antarctica.

POES Weather Satellites

Weather satellites usually circle the Earth in a geostationary orbit (GOES) or a polar orbit (POES). A polar orbiter is put into a relatively low altitude orbit, around 500 miles, taking the satellite near the North Pole and the South Pole. Unlike the geostationary orbit, the polar orbit allows complete Earth coverage as the Earth turns beneath it. The polar orbiter will pass over the same spot twice a day.

GOES Weather Satellite

Weather satellites usually orbit the earth in two different ways. A geostationary satellite (GOES) orbits the earth 22,500 miles above the equator. At this altitude it takes the satellite 24 hours to orbit the Earth. Since it moves at the same speed as the Earth, it appears nearly stationary over one spot.

Perfect Pet - Kitten Season is here...

Every Friday on our Midday Show, I host a Perfect Pet segment. We highlight area humane societies and feature a pet in need of a home. I received this e-mail from Lynn Porto, one of the many fabulous volunteers for the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA. The shelter is full with too many cats. If you've been thinking about bringing one into your family, they are offering financial incentives. Miss Lynn has outline three items for you.

1. Because of the abundance of adult cats in the shelter due to kitten season, PHS/SPCA is waiving the adoption fee for all cats 5 years old or older. Of course, the screening of the adopter will be the same to make sure the cats have a good home. All cats will have their shots, licenses, microchips and first vet bill paid for by PHS/SPCA. (This is the case for all pets at all times, not just this special).

2. There are many bonded pairs with us now. These are cats who either came in together or have been with us so long that they have bonded with their kennelmates. There is a two-for-one special for those cats. A twofer, if you please. Two for the price of one. There is a huge advantage to adopting two of any pet because they keep each other company when alone for many hours, eliminating loneliness and the urge to do damage out of boredom.

3. We have a very special annual event coming on Saturday, August 16th. It is the Mutt Strutt, which is a dog walk held at Coyote Point along the Bay, just south of San Francisco Airport. It is an event that has a turnout of around 500 people and 300 dogs who walk through the park and along the Bay. There are also events and contests before the walk, and it truly is a fun day for all. It starts at 9:00 in the morning, and usually over by noon. More information can be had from: lvanbuskirk@PeninsulaHumaneSociety.org.

Of course, information for all of the above can also be received by calling: (650) 340-7022. Your Perfect Pet segment has been responsible for 100% adoption rate of the pets shown on your show, a fact that should make you very proud.

Lynn Porto

Weather Satellites

Weather satellites use sensors, not cameras, to scan the Earth. The majority of the sensors detect either visible, infrared, or microwave radiation. These measurements are in the form of electrical voltages that are digitized and then transmitted to receiving stations on the ground.

Updated Weather Advisories for Wednesday 7/8

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Red Flag Fire Warning

Heat Advisory & Warning

Air Quality Districts

If you are wondering which district Bay Area Air Quality Management District placed your city check out the link below.

BAAQMD Districts