Global Half-Hourly Infrared Brightness Temperatures at 4km Resolution

Global infrared brightness temperature data from 60°S to 60°N, collected at a 4-kilometer pixel resolution every half hour. The dataset is produced by merging observations from U.S., European, and Japanese geostationary satellites, curated by NASA GES DISC from NOAA/NCEP source data. The record extends from January 1998 onward, with data delayed by about 24 hours from real-time.

Use Cases

• Analyze cloud top temperatures and convective activity using the half-hourly brightness temperature grids.
• Track diurnal temperature cycles and thermal anomalies over the 60°S-60°N region using the time-series data.
• Calibrate satellite infrared sensors by comparing merged data from GOES, METEOSAT, and Himawari platforms.
• Study atmospheric phenomena like tropical cyclones by monitoring brightness temperature patterns at 4km resolution.
• Validate climate model outputs against observed infrared brightness temperatures spanning over two decades.

Strengths

• High spatial resolution of 4 kilometers per grid cell.
• Long temporal coverage starting from January 1998.
• Data merged from over 20 different geostationary satellites, reducing discontinuities.

Limitations

• Geographic coverage limited to latitudes between 60°S and 60°N.
• Data availability is delayed by about 24 hours from real-time.
• Original data values are integers with no decimal precision, limiting granularity.

Provenance

Source

NOAA/NCEP Climate Prediction Center, processed by NASA GES DISC.

Collection Method

Merged from multiple geostationary satellites (GOES, METEOSAT, GMS/MTSat/Himawari), dynamically calibrated and corrected for zenith angle dependence and parallax.

Time Range

From January 1998 onward.

Freshness

Half-hourly updates with a 24-hour delay from real-time.

Geography

Global coverage from 60°S to 60°N latitude.