What does ASTER mean in METEOROLOGY

ASTER is a space-based imaging system developed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. It measures visible and infrared energy reflected from Earth’s surface, providing detailed information on land cover, topography, geology, and vegetation.

ASTER captures images using three different spectral bands in its radiometric imager: visible light (0.52 - 0.86 µm), shortwave infrared (1.6 - 2.43 µm), and thermal infrared (8 - 12 µm). Data collected from these sources can be used to identify surface features such as land cover types, terrain slope and aspect, biophysical parameters such as albedo and emissivity, surface temperature of water bodies and ice caps, etc.

Several advantages come with using ASTER for remote sensing research. First, it provides high spatial resolution across a wide range of wavelengths which allows users to more accurately identify physical features within an image. Additionally, because it uses both optical and infrared sensors it can distinguish between various types of surfaces such as soil moisture levels or snow cover which aids in environmental monitoring. Finally, ASTER has both day/nighttime capabilities which provide more accurate data collection no matter when researchers observe the area of interest.

The data collected from ASTER covers a variety of information such as variations in elevation along with colors associated with specific areas within the scanned image area(s). Temperature measurements can also be extracted from each satellite scan allowing researchers to gain insight into ocean currents or atmospheric conditions whilealso assessing glacier activity or desertification patterns.

The satellite collects new data an average rate of once every 16 days although it has been known to take up to 22 days in some cases depending on weather conditions at launch time. Additionally certain specific areas may be rescaned more frequently if warranted by special circumstances.

Within 24 hours after an observation is recorded all results are processed through post-processing software where they are calibrated before becoming available for download by registered users via the internet. Depending on how busy the system is this process can take anywhere from one hour up to several hours.

No raw images created with using the satellite's technology is not open for public use nor should any imagery produced using analysis techniques derived from them be made available either without permission first obtained from their respective owners or copyright holders listed in the NASA Earthdata license agreement before doing so.

Images taken with Astro imagery are governed under strict copyright laws that require authorization prior to usage unless they are part of specifically designated product downloads provided by NASA through their EarthData portal which permits only limited personal or educational usage free of charge under certain provisions outlined in their licence agreement page.