GALAPAGOS REMOTE SENSING IMAGES

Remote sensing satellites use a wide range of imaging technology to acquire information about our planet. Such images can be used to measure natural phenomena or the effects of human activities on the environment. For example, sensors may be specialized to look at infra-red wavelengths or microwave radiation, particularly useful for looking at weather patterns.

The sensors used in the satellites usually detect one or more type of electromagnetic radiation. This is converted to digital data that is then transmitted to receiver dishes (similar to satellite dishes used for TV). After the data is processed, they are used to compile the images which can then be analyzed for specific features of interest. In particular, sequential time related images can reveal a lot of information. For example, a series of images allowed scientists to track the progress and direction of an oil spill that resulted from a tanker running aground on San Cristobal in 2001.

(Images courtesy of NASA-Johnson Space Center)