Meteosat Second Generation About Meteosat Second Generation
Images of real sequences of clouds moving across Europe have
graced our daily TV weather forecasts for the past 25 years.
Now, however, the satellites that delivered them are about to be
replaced. Out with Meteosat First Generation; in with Meteosat
Second Generation (MSG). When the new satellites take over,
sometime after the first launch in August 2002, the images on
our screens will be even clearer and sequences of cloud
development will be smoother and more realistic. The improved
images will allow meteorologists to provide more accurate medium
and short-term weather forecasts. Meteosat Second Generation
will take images at more wavelengths and at shorter intervals
than its parents, making it particularly suitable for short-term
forecasting of sudden troublesome weather phenomena, such as
snow, thunderstorms and fog. TV weather bulletins will be able
to advise us with considerable accuracy about whether to take an
umbrella or avoid a particular s