Satellite


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