GPM Instrument Animations

This is an infographic describing how the GPM Microwave Imager works and maintains its high degree of calibration, as well as how it contributes to the precipitation rates produced by the mission. || With so many important applications, how does GPM create these maps and make sure they’re accurate? In a recent evaluation, GPM’s microwave imager was named the best calibrated microwave imager to date. So what exactly makes it the best? It’s a combination of better hardware and more advanced technology.

NASA’s newest satellite ushers in the future of tracking global precipitation. || Learn more about the GPM Core Observatory in this video. || The GPM Core Observatory observes rain and snow using an advanced radiometer and dual-frequency precipitation radar. || The satellite s atmosphere, collecting a continuous swath of data. || Precipitation measurements collected by a network of satellites will be combined to create a global picture of rain and snow fall.

LEAD: NASA launches a new weather satellite from Japan today.1. US and Japan are partners.GPM: Global Precipitation Measurement Will circle Earth every 90 minutes.Will be the core of a constellation of satellites.2. Instruments will take “cat scans” of storms from 250 miles above the earth.3. For the first time from space a “dual-frequency radar will be able to measure snow as well as rain.TAG: Rainfall measurements every 3 hours will help future forecasters issue warnings for flooding, such as the record Colorado flood of Sept. 2013 with over 10 inches of rain.