December 16, 2011

Week’s Image: Beautiful World


First global image from VIIRS.: Credit: NASA’s NPP Land Product Evaluation and Testing Element.First global image from VIIRS. Credit: NASA’s NPP Land Product Evaluation and Testing Element.A couple of weeks ago I posted the first image from VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite). Now we see it with eyes wide open, providing the sharpest view yet of our world. VIIRS’ eyes are based on radiometric imagery in visible and infrared wavelengths, capturing images of Earth’s land, atmosphere, and oceans. Its eyes will profoundly deepen our understanding of global change—human and natural—including changes in ocean temperatures, cloud cover, and wildfires. Its vehicle is the NPP satellite flying a Sun-synchronous orbit on a unique path that takes it over the equator at the same time on the ground for every orbit. This keeps the satellite at the same angle between Earth and Sun so that all images are similarly lit. This first complete global view was compiled on 24 November 2011. Click here for higher resolution image. It’s breathtaking.

 

 

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WE CAME UP SHORT.

We just wrapped up a shorter-than-normal, urgent-as-ever fundraising drive and we came up about $45,000 short of our $300,000 goal.

That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

So we urgently need this specific ask, what you're reading right now, to start bringing in more donations than it ever has. The reality, for these next few months and next few years, is that we have to start finding ways to grow our online supporter base in a big way—and we're optimistic we can keep making real headway by being real with you about this.

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