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A satellite tv for pc mission developed by a University of Reading scientist is ready to enhance forecasts of extreme storms and unsafe climate.
WIVERN, brief for wind velocity radar nephoscope, has in the present day (Tuesday, 23 September) been chosen because the European Space Agency’s eleventh Earth Explorer Mission. It will present the primary direct measurements of winds inside clouds and storms – filling a serious hole in present climate observations.
The satellite tv for pc’s idea was led by Professor Anthony Illingworth, Professor of Atmospheric Physics on the University of Reading. Professor Illingworth additionally led the profitable EarthCARE satellite tv for pc mission launched in 2024. The adoption of WIVERN means he’s the primary scientist to have two Earth Explorer satellites adopted.
Professor Anthony Illingworth stated: “There’s a niche in our understanding of winds inside clouds and storms. WIVERN will change that. For the primary time, we’ll see how winds behave inside these programs, which helps us predict after they’ll develop into harmful.
“The satellites I have helped develop will help to keep people safe from extreme weather. EarthCARE and WIVERN will work together to give us a complete picture of what’s happening inside storms and clouds. This means we can give people better warnings about dangerous weather, whether that’s a hurricane heading for the coast or flash floods from heavy rainfall.”
The mission will scan an 800-kilometre swath of Earth’s floor utilizing a dual-polarisation, conically scanning, 94 GHz Doppler radar. This will enhance forecasts of hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall by displaying precisely how winds transfer inside climate programs.
The satellite tv for pc will even measure rain, snow and ice, contributing information to local weather data and serving to scientists perceive how climate patterns are altering.
WIVERN’s journey started in 2020, when ESA launched a Call for Ideas for daring new missions that might push the boundaries of Earth science and satellite tv for pc expertise. From 15 proposals, 4 have been subsequently shortlisted for detailed examine. In 2023, that shortlist was narrowed additional to 2 contenders earlier than WIVERN was chosen.
ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, stated: “After a rigorous choice course of, we’re excited to welcome WIVERN to the Earth Explorer household and we’re wanting to see the groundbreaking science it should ship.
“Earth Explorer missions have consistently surpassed expectations, using breakthrough technology to deliver vital insights into our planet – from climate dynamics to ice melt and gravity.”
#SpaceStars: Reading analysis that’s out of this world
#SpaceStars is a season of actions at Reading this autumn (September to October 2025) set to shine a celestial gentle on the astronomical experience at Reading, and sharing the most recent discoveries about our photo voltaic system with everybody. Find out extra by way of University of Reading information web page
Images: Professor Anthony Illingworth on the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory.
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