About the Lesson

This lesson introduces the VIIRS imager on board the Suomi NPP and upcoming JPSS satellites. The lesson briefly describes the capabilities, improvements, and benefits that VIIRS brings to operational meteorology. Numerous images are shown that demonstrate a variety of applications available in the AWIPS display system.

On completing the lesson, you should be able to:

  • Identify the VIIRS' 5 Imagery (resolution) and 16 Moderate (resolution) spectral bands and the phenomena that can be detected in the spectral regions they cover
  • Describe the VIIRS imaging strategy and its advantages
  • Identify some key applications of VIIRS imagery (including advancements to analysis, forecasting, numerical weather prediction, and climate and environmental monitoring)
  • Describe the benefits and some uses of the VIIRS day night band