Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:58, 27 May 2025

Latest revision as of 22:23, 26 August 2025

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[[File:Exploded View of MODIS Subsystems.gif|thumbnail|Exploded view of the MODIS subsystems.]]

[[Image:The Water Planet.jpg|thumb|This detailed, photo-like view of Earth is based largely on observations from MODIS.]]

The '''Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer''' ('''MODIS''') is a satellite-based sensor used for earth and climate measurements. There are two MODIS sensors in [[Geocentric orbit|Earth orbit]]: one on board the [[Terra (satellite)|Terra]] ([[Earth Observing System|EOS]] AM) satellite, launched by [[NASA]] in 1999; and one on board the [[Aqua (satellite)|Aqua]] (EOS PM) satellite, launched in 2002. Since 2011, MODIS operations have been supplemented by [[VIIRS]] sensors, such as the one aboard [[Suomi NPP]]. The systems often conduct similar operations due to their similar designs and orbits (with VIIRS data systems deisgneddesigned to be compatible with MODIS), though they have subtle differences contributing to similar but not identical uses.<ref>{{cite web |last1=NASA Earth Data |title=VIIRS; Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite |url=https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/viirs |publisher=NASA |access-date=6 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=UN-SPIDER |title=Detecting forest fires with satellites (MODIS and VIIRS) |url=https://www.un-spider.org/news-and-events/news/detecting-forest-fires-satellites-modis-and-viirs |publisher=UN Office for Outer Space Affairs |access-date=6 March 2025}}</ref>

The MODIS instruments were built by Santa Barbara Remote Sensing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/about/components.php|title=MODIS Components|access-date= 11 August 2015}}</ref> They capture data in 36 spectral bands ranging in wavelength from 0.4 [[μm]] to 14.4&nbsp;μm and at varying spatial resolutions (2 bands at 250 m, 5 bands at 500 m and 29 bands at 1&nbsp;km). Together the instruments image the entire Earth every 1 to 2 days. They are designed to provide measurements in large-scale global dynamics including changes in Earth's [[cloud cover]], [[radiation budget]] and processes occurring in the oceans, on land, and in the [[Atmosphere of Earth#Structure of the atmosphere|lower atmosphere]].