A virtually cloud-free Europe captured by MSG-1

Enhanced composite image taken at 12:00 UT on 10 August 2003, by Europe’s Meteosat Second Generation satellite (MSG-1). A year on from launch, this image illustrates the excellent performance of the innovative radiometer carried by MSG-1.

Composite image of visible information: red shows the 1.6 µm near infrared channel, green is the 8 µm visible channel, and blue the 0.6 µm visible channel. The image has been enhanced to appear ‘natural’ to the human eye.

Built by ESA and operated by Eumetsat, MSG-1 was launched by Ariane a year ago, on 28 August at 22:45 UT, from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana.