Small size Satellites by NASA to predict hurricane wind-speed

The wind speed forecast of hurricane might be monitored by eight satellites which are briefcase size and fly side by side. Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite of NASA that was launched in 2016 shows whether GPS signals used by mobile phones for navigation purpose can measure deepness of wind within a typhoon or hurricane.

The present models for weather forecasting have become much efficient in predicting track of typhoon or hurricane in future but can’t predict their maximum wind velocity which is termed as intensity by the scientists. This is so because typhoons and hurricanes are steered by regional winds and their intensity generally depends on every other storm’s force. There are several satellites which can easily monitor external winds but can’t look inside of a hurricane.

Christopher Ruf stated that in order to predict wind speed one has to measure it from the center of the storm, as well as until CYGNSS it was done through the help of Hurricane Hunter air-planes. The data gathered from CYGNSS is considered as an excellent match to the data collected via Hurricane Hunter during hurricanes of 2017 viz. Jose, Maria and Irma. 8 satellites orbit at a gap of 12 minutes and collect more data in comparison to flight of Hurricane Hunter.

Most of the satellites which observe Earth send electromagnetic signals so that they can see the happenings in the atmosphere. The signals used have wavelength which are very small in length. For these wavelength signals, it is very hard to pass dust speck, airborne particle and drizzle drop.

On the other hand, CYGNSS uses GPS signal which have a wavelength of 7.5 inches which is longer than short wavelength used by many satellite instruments or a raindrop. Ruf stated that at that wavelength it is nearly impossible to see raindrop and it goes through it. This is the reason why CYGNSS can see inside of a hurricane and even measure winds which blow on oceanic surface.