faz.net
New European Satellite MTG Improves Weather Forecasting and Air Quality Monitoring
The MTG weather satellite, a joint Eumetsat and ESA mission launched from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday, will provide significantly improved weather forecasts and air quality data for Europe and North Africa, using advanced sensors to collect 50 times more data than previous satellites.
- What immediate impact will MTG's superior data collection have on weather forecasting and disaster preparedness?
- On Wednesday, a new European satellite, MTG, launched to improve weather forecasting, particularly for extreme events. MTG, a collaboration between Eumetsat and ESA, based in Darmstadt, Germany, collects 50 times more data than previous generations. It will provide crucial data for Eumetsat's weather prediction and ESA's Copernicus program.
- How does the collaboration between Eumetsat and ESA in the MTG mission contribute to both meteorological and environmental monitoring?
- MTG's geostationary orbit over the equator allows continuous monitoring of Europe and North Africa. Its advanced sensors capture detailed atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, and wind, creating 3D atmospheric maps. This significantly improves weather forecasting accuracy and supports disaster preparedness.
- What are the long-term implications of MTG's high-resolution data and open-access policy for scientific research and environmental management?
- MTG's Sentinel-4 instrument adds a new dimension to the Copernicus program by providing hourly data on air quality, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and aerosols. This open-access data will benefit scientific research and environmental monitoring, advancing our understanding of atmospheric pollution and its impacts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral and informative. The article presents the launch as a significant scientific achievement with benefits for weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. While the positive aspects are emphasized, this is justified given the nature of the event being reported.
Sustainable Development Goals
The launch of the MTG satellite significantly contributes to improved climate monitoring and prediction. The satellite's enhanced data collection capabilities, including a 50-fold increase over previous generations, will allow for more accurate forecasting of extreme weather events like heavy rain and thunderstorms. This improved forecasting directly supports climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts by enabling better preparedness and response to climate-related disasters. The inclusion of Sentinel-4, providing data on air pollution, further strengthens the contribution to climate action by monitoring key pollutants impacting climate.