Infrared and Reflected Solar Radiation Measurements from the TIROS II Meteorological SatelliteIn the TIROS II, the satellite's spin provides the scan line of the medium resolution radiometer which is then advanced by the orbital motion. The spatial resolution is about 40 miles square when the earth directly beneath the satellite is viewed. The five channels employ bolometer detectors and filters to limit the spectral responses to five bands: 6 to 6.5 microns, 8 to 12 microns, 0.2 to 6 microns, 8 to 30 microns, and 0.55 to 0.75 microns. These five bands study, respectively: radiation in the water vapor absorption band; day and nighttime cloud cover; albedo thermal radiation; and visual maps for comparison with satellite vidicon pictures. The low resolution non-scanning radiometer measures the earth's blackbody temperature and albedo. This radiometer consists of two thermistors, each in the apex of a reflective cone which provides optical gain. One thermistor is black and responds to both ther al and reflected solar radiation. The second responds to thermal but reflects solar radiation. (Author). |
Common terms and phrases
12 micron channel 30 micron albedo amplitude modulation antenna apparent blackbody temperatures atmosphere Bandeen blackbody temperatures viewed CHOPPER Clock Frequency cloud cover color temperature composite signal Demodulator detec diagram of information earth Electronics energy field of view Figure FILTER Final Meteorological Radiation five bands five channels four orbits Goddard Space Flight INFRARED AND REFLECTED low resolution radiometer magnetic tape medium resolution radiometer medium resolution scanning Meteorological Radiation Tape motion motor NASA non-scanning radiometer November 23 optical axes ORBIT Orbital Characteristics Oscillograph Playback Speed POLAR STEREOGRAPHIC PROJECTION Preamplifier radiant emittance Radiation Data Tape radiometer while passing Reference reflected solar radiation reflected sunlight resolution radiometer channels resolution scanning radiometer scan pattern Space Flight Center spectral range spin period spin rate spin-up rockets SUBSATELLITE PATH sun pulses tape recorder television cameras thermistor bolometer TIROS II METEOROLOGICAL torque transmission characteristic tuning fork oscillator voltage controlled oscillators water vapor absorption White Cone white detector