NOAA Releases Spectacular First Images From New GOES-16 Satellite

Chris Dolce
Published: January 23,2017
The spectacular first images from NOAA's powerful new GOES-16 satellite were released Monday, providing the most vivid look yet at our hemisphere from a geostationary weather satellite.
GOES-16 first made headlines when it launched Nov. 19, 2016, under the name GOES-R, and was renamed after reaching orbit. NOAA is describing the new imagery that it's sending out as "high-definition from the heavens".
(MORE: The Launch of GOES-R)
Among the first images provided by NOAA is this one showing cloud cover Jan. 15, with the moon providing a backdrop above the horizon.

(NASA/NOAA)

Next, this large-scale view of North America shows an expansive winter storm in the central U.S. on Jan. 15. That storm system brought damaging ice accumulations to the central Plains states.
NOAA says GOES-16 will provide four times the resolution of what's available from the current operational GOES satellites. The satellite is also equipped with several different channels used to identify features other than clouds such as smoke, ash and water vapor.
(MORE: Current Satellite Imagery)

(NOAA/NASA)

The entire Western Hemisphere is captured in this final image provided by NOAA that was also taken on Jan. 15. GOES-16 will be able to provide a new full image of the Western Hemisphere from its orbit 22,300 miles above the earth every 15 minutes. Images of the continental U.S. will be available every five minutes.

(NOAA/NASA)

GOES-16 will eventually be renamed either GOES-East or GOES-West once NOAA decides its final position when it becomes operational this fall. GOES-S will be the next satellite to launch in the series of four and will be renamed GOES-17 before becoming either GOES-East or GOES-West.

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