FLASHFlux: Low-Latency Satellite Radiative Fluxes for Quick-Look Analysis

Low-latency (< 5 days from observation) top-of-atmosphere and surface radiative fluxes from NASA's CERES project aboard the Aqua satellite. FLASHFlux data are a rapid-release product line designed for applied sciences and education, providing quick-look estimates with relaxed calibration requirements compared to the full climate-quality CERES data. The product combines CERES scanner data with higher-resolution MODIS imagery and meteorological assimilation from the GEOS-5 system.

Use Cases

• Monitoring short-term changes in Earth's energy budget based on low-latency top-of-atmosphere flux data.
• Quick-look validation of weather and climate model outputs based on parameterized surface radiative fluxes.
• Educational demonstrations of satellite remote sensing principles based on the combined CERES and MODIS footprint data.

Strengths

• Data latency is less than 5 days from observation, enabling near-real-time analysis.
• Product is derived from NASA's CERES project instruments, which are a follow-up to the successful ERBE mission.
• Combines data from multiple sources: CERES scanner, MODIS imager, and the GEOS-5 atmospheric assimilation system.

Limitations

• Data is explicitly not intended to achieve climate quality; calibration accuracy requirements are relaxed for speed.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality, file formats, and size require manual inspection after download.
• Row count and temporal coverage are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for long-term studies.

Provenance

Source

NASA CERES project, data collected by the FM3 instrument on the Aqua spacecraft.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing combined with data assimilation from the GEOS-5 FP-IT system.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Data collection is described as 'in progress'; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Global coverage from Aqua satellite's polar orbit.