Clouds and The Earth's Radiant Energy System

Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) is on-going NASA climatological experiment from Earth orbit. The CERES are scientific satellite instruments, part of the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), designed to measure both solar-reflected and Earth-emitted radiation from the top of the atmosphere (TOA) to the Earth's surface. Cloud properties are determined using simultaneous measurements by other EOS instruments such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Results from the CERES and other NASA missions, such as the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), will lead to a better understanding of the role of clouds and the energy cycle in global climate change.

This is longwave flux radiation at the top-of-atmosphere from Jan 26-27, 2012. Heat energy radiated from Earth (in watts per square meter) is shown in shades of yellow, red, blue and white. The brightest-yellow areas are the hottest and are emitting the most energy out to space, while the dark blue areas and the bright white clouds are much colder, emitting the least energy. CERES Top-of-Atmophere (TOA) shortwave flux radiation shows energy received from the sun on Jan 26 and 27, 2012.


Read more about Clouds And The Earth's Radiant Energy System:  Scientific Goals, CERES Instruments, Operating Modes

Famous quotes containing the words clouds and, clouds, earth, radiant, energy and/or system:

    Well, thus we play the fools with the time, and the spirits of
    the wise sit in the clouds and mock us.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    But he her fears to cease
    Sent down the meek-eyed Peace;
    She, crowned with olive green, came softly sliding
    Down through the turning sphere,
    His ready harbinger,
    With turtle wing the amorous clouds dividing,
    And waving wide her myrtle wand,
    She strikes a universal peace through sea and land.
    John Milton (1608–1674)

    Now Morn her rosy steps in th’ eastern clime
    Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl.
    John Milton (1608–1674)

    No
    Praise that the spring time is all
    Gabriel and radiant shrubbery as the morning grows joyful
    Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)

    All my energy and attention were devoted to trying to help her solve her problems. Unfortunately I didn’t have much success.
    Arthur Miller (b. 1915)

    Few white citizens are acquainted with blacks other than those projected by the media and the so—called educational system, which is nothing more than a system of rewards and punishments based upon one’s ability to pledge loyalty oaths to Anglo culture. The media and the “educational system” are the prime sources of racism in the United States.
    Ishmael Reed (b. 1938)