Satellite Image Comparison

These two satellite images come from the GOES12 satellite. They were taken at the same time and provide a visual comparison of the differences between visible products and water vapor imagery products. The imagery is provided by CIRA/NOAA. The visible channel detects wavelengths in the 550 to 750nm range. While one IR channel detects wavelengths in the 6500 to 7500nm range--an IR range associated to water vapor.

The visible product depicts land masses, water masses, and clouds, while the IR channel depicts the atmospheric water vapor.

Visible Image of Earth--GOES12

Atmospheric Water Vapor Image--GOES12