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The Weather Classroom
Incomplete Satellite Images
Q: I've noticed recently that the satellite image seems to be either
incomplete or missing for several hours a night. Is the satellite
working properly?
A: Yes, the satellite is working properly. The incomplete and/or missing images
are due to what's known as the satellite eclipse period. During the spring and the
fall, the sun, Earth, and GOES satellites become aligned, causing the satellite to
fall in the Earth's shadow. Since the satellite is powered by solar energy, during
the eclipse it has no power source and must shut itself down. A more in-depth answer
and other information can be found on the NWS Southern Region webpage, located here:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/ssd/html/goesfaqs.htm#Eclipse.
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