NASA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are using multi-spectral imaging from orbiting satellites to provide detailed observations of the Earth, such as how our planet reacts to otherwise imperceptible changes in the Sun’s output. The data derived can help scientists create better climate models, which, in turn, can help us better manage our planetary resources.

The Earth’s Radiation Budget

DSCOVR (the Deep Space Climate Observer), launched in 2015 in a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA and the U.S. Air Force, features the NIST Advanced Radiometer. The NISTAR systematically measures whether the Earth keeps more radiation that it sends back into space.

Calibrating an EPIC Camera for Accuracy

NISTAR is certainly impressive, tracking the total amount of energy the sunlit side of Earth reflects and emits between the wavelengths of 0.2 and 100 micrometers, which goes from visible light to a significant portion of the infrared and ultraviolet bands. The NISTAR readings were used to help calibrate the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC), and now NISTAR has topped the mission-mandated 1.5 percent absolute accuracy level.

Next up for NIST

Next up for NIST is the task of calibrating the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor on a polar-orbiting weather satellite. Scientists hope that NIST will be successful in making it possible to measure three overlapping wavelength bands in order to distinguish the Earth’s radiant power from reflected solar energy. Once this is accomplished, climatologists will have much better data to study and from which to draw climate-impact conclusions. The first launch in the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), weather satellite series is slated for November 2016.

Spectral Imaging Innovations

The use of spectral imaging to improve image analysis, and specifically to allow discrimination between visually identical objects, is steadily growing. Gooch & Housego is proud to contribute to valuable research being done through multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging, and can partner with you in your spectral imaging endeavors.