Visible Channel (0.65 µm)

The channel (0.65µm) lies in the visible region (0.4µm - 0.7µm) of the electromagnetic spectrum which can be seen with naked eye. Hence this channel is known as the Visible channel. The incoming solar radiation in this channel is reflected by Clouds and Ground. The amount of reflection depends on the type of reflective surface. Visible imagery is very useful for distinguishing clouds, land, and sea/ocean. Different types of clouds reflect in different amounts based on their physical properties like amount and size of raindrops / ice crystals and its density. Cumulonimbus clouds appear brightest. Thick (low / medium) clouds like cumulus, stratus, stratocumulus appear comparatively brighter than the thin (Higher) clouds like cirrus. Sea surface appear darker in this imagery.

Summary

Sees scattered and reflected energy

Available during Daytime only

Sees clouds and earth surface

Sensitive to soil, water, and cloud type

Sees fog in daytime

Used for tracking cloud features in time to estimate atmospheric motion