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The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) is the primary instrument aboard the GOES-R Series for imaging Earth’s weather, oceans, and environment. ABI views Earth with 16 different spectral bands (compared to five on the previous generation of GOES), including two visible channels, four near-infrared channels, and 10 infrared channels. These different channels (wavelengths) are used by models and tools to indicate various elements on Earth’s surface or in the atmosphere, such as trees, water, clouds, moisture, or smoke.

inforgraphic showing how remote sensing works
Image Caption

Credit: https://www.goes-r.gov/multimedia/infographics.html

Instrument Type

Multi-channel Passive Imaging Radiometer

Specifications

Resolution

Spatial

0.5 km (0.64 µm Visible), 1.0 km (Other visible/near-IR), 2 km (Bands (>2 µm))

Spectral

16 bands (includes 2 visible channels, 4 near-infrared channels, and 10 infrared channels.)

Temporal

Default scan mode: full disk every 10 minutes, contiguous U.S. every 5 minutes, and two smaller, more detailed images of areas where storm activity is present, every 60 seconds (or one every 30 seconds).

Frequently Asked Questions

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