The Weather Watchers

Using interviews, graphics, satellite images and live-action footage, this documentary gives an overview of the contemporary science of weather prediction. Since 1960, when the first orbiting weather satellite was launched by NASA, there has been a realisation of the limitations of data gathered by polar orbiting satellites - this resulted in the mid-1960s launch of geosynchronous satellites, and development of improved resolution and IR imaging devices. The film projects into future plans for co-operation with Russia and Japan to provide 5 geosynchronous satellites. A section is also devoted to NASA's ongoing storm research programme - tornado prediction, and the use of light aircraft to analyse conditions at different altitudes.

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