About this episode

Caroline Cox discusses her role as an Earth Observation Algorithm Scientist and the importance of satellite missions in understanding our planet.

Meet Caroline Cox, Earth Observation Algorithm Scientist with RAL Space. She works on satellite missions that help us understand our planet better. From calibrating brand-new satellite instruments to turning raw space data into scientifically accurate images, she’s part of the huge team effort that makes those stunning satellite pictures possible. Caroline's work often starts at least ten years before a satellite makes it into space . She works behind the scenes on satellite instruments to make sure that raw data that comes back from space is accurate so that scientists can better understand our planet. She explains what exactly Earth radiance actually is and why it matters for measuring surface temperature and atmospheric gases, and how clouds remain one of the biggest uncertainties in climate science. Caroline lead the ‘Cloud Catcher’ citizen science project and explains that thousands of people have taken part to help analyse satellite images. Listen on to learn more about the cumulus cloud, desert textures seen from space, the magic of those first satellite images after launch, and just how much work goes into producing a single “pretty picture” from space. If you would like…

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