FLASHflux: Fast-Release Satellite Radiative Flux and Cloud Data from Terra

FLASH_SSF_Terra-FM1-MODIS_Version4A is a low-latency (< 5 days from observation) data product from NASA's CERES project. It provides top-of-atmosphere and parameterized surface radiative fluxes, combined with cloud information from the MODIS imager, for quick-look purposes. The data is derived from measurements taken aboard NASA's Terra spacecraft, launched in 1999.

Use Cases

• Quick-look analysis of Earth's radiation budget based on top-of-atmosphere shortwave, longwave, and net fluxes.
• Studying cloud radiative effects based on cloud properties averaged over CERES footprints.
• Parameterizing surface radiative fluxes using the Langley shortwave and longwave algorithms.
• Integrating satellite scene data with meteorological and ozone information from the GEOS-5 ADAS.

Strengths

• Low latency of less than five days from observation, enabling near-real-time analysis.
• Data combines CERES radiometric measurements with higher-resolution scene information from MODIS.
• Produced by NASA's CERES project, a key component of the Earth Observing System program.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The product is not intended to achieve climate quality, with some calibration accuracy requirements relaxed for speed.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from measurements by the CERES FM1 instrument aboard the Terra spacecraft, combined with data from the MODIS imager and the GEOS-5 ADAS.

Time Range

Coverage begins after the Terra spacecraft launch on December 18, 1999.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:59:01.449656; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage from the Terra satellite's polar orbit.