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Scientists Ski to Meet Satellite in Snowy Mission
24 Mar
Summary
- Scientists skied at 4:30 a.m. to measure snow depth.
- A new satellite aims to measure water content from space.
- Precise timing is crucial as satellites pass every 12 days.
In the predawn darkness of a recent Wednesday, three scientists embarked on a unique expedition high in the Colorado Rockies. At 4:30 a.m., they rose to measure snow depth precisely as a new satellite, equipped with advanced radar, passed overhead.
This groundbreaking satellite promises to be the first to estimate ground water content, particularly snowpack, from orbit. Such data is vital for understanding water availability for rivers and reservoirs. Accurate calibration requires ground-based measurements coinciding with satellite passes.
The scientists skied for miles in the moonlight, towing a sled with portable radar. Their efforts are part of a global initiative to gather precise snowpack data. The challenge is magnified by the satellite's infrequent passes, occurring only once every 12 days.
