50 Years of Meteorological Satellite Experiments

Press

  • Ackerman Steven A. and Martin, Jonathan. Ask the Weather Guys: Satellites used to study Earth's weather for 50 years. Wisconsin State Journal, 10 October 2009. Article »
  • Hobson, Mark. Satellite anniversary marks 50 years of studying climate from space. University of Wisconsin-Madison News, 13 October 2009. Article »
  • Lewis, John M.; Martin, David W.; Rabin, Robert M., and Moosmüller, Hans. Suomi: Pragmatic visionary. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, October 2009. Article »
  • Menzel, W. Paul and Phillips, Jean M. Satellite meteorology, how it all started 50 years ago. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, October 2009. Article »

Overview

The first successful meteorological experiment conducted from a satellite, was launched on Explorer VII on 13 October 1959, fifty years ago this year. Explorer VII carried an early version of a radiometer designed to measure Earth’s heat balance from a satellite. The architects of the radiometer were the University of Wisconsin's Verner E. Suomi and and Robert J. Parent.

The 50 year anniversary of the duo's success will be commemorated on Monday 2 November 2009 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Invited speakers, representing the University of Wisconsin, NASA, NOAA, the World Meteorological Organization, the American Meteorological Society and Suomi students, will reflect and provide perspective on the event's key players and its historical significance.

Location / Time

2 November 2009
Monona Terrace Convention Center
Madison, Wisconsin
Program and reception, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

See also: SSEC visitor information

Program

Final program / agenda (including talks).

Contact us

To contact us please send an email to either:
Paul Menzel
Jean Phillips

GOES Users' Conference

A related conference, the 6th GOES Users' Conference will be taking place at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center 3-5 November 2009.