Satellites have been a valuable tool for scientists, providing data that contributes to a better understanding of our planet and helps in various endeavors like weather forecasting and agriculture. The Chinese satellite Fengyun-3E is an example of this, using innovative techniques to monitor Antarctic sea ice and contribute to our knowledge of climate change.
Among its array of sensors, the WindRad stands out as it uses radar to measure wind at different locations and altitudes by analyzing the reflections of radar waves in the atmosphere. This technology not only allows the monitoring of sea ice but also differentiates between new and old ice, aiding our understanding of ice formation and loss in polar regions. Moreover, as the first weather satellite in a morning orbit, it utilizes the extended shadows cast by the sun to gather more detailed information about the Earth’s surface.
While the satellite serves other purposes beyond monitoring sea ice, the data it collects around Antarctica holds great promise for improving climate models and comprehending the behavior of sea ice. Furthermore, the weather data obtained from satellites like Fengyun-3E is not limited to scientific research, as many of these satellites openly broadcast their maps and data on radio frequencies accessible to the general public.
