TRMM_1A01: Tropical Rainfall Satellite Visible and Infrared Scanner Data

The Visible and Infrared Scanner (VIRS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite collected data from a 35-degree inclination orbit, providing coverage between 38°N and 38°S. Each Level-1A file contains sensor counts from five spectral channels (0.63, 1.60, 3.75, 10.8, and 12.0 microns) for a single orbit, along with spacecraft attitude and header information, enabling analysis of cloud properties and precipitation in the tropics. The orbital pattern allows observation of each location at a different local time each day, facilitating study of the diurnal cycle.

Use Cases

• Determining cloud coverage and cloud top temperature based on thermal infrared channel radiance.
• Analyzing the diurnal cycle of precipitation using observations at different local times from the orbital pattern.
• Calibrating sensor counts to physical radiance units for comparison with other satellite instruments.
• Studying tropical atmospheric phenomena using the spatially constrained coverage between 38°N and 38°S.

Strengths

• Provides data from five specific spectral channels (0.63, 1.60, 3.75, 10.8, 12.0 microns) for detailed atmospheric analysis.
• Contains spacecraft attitude packets and header records, enabling precise geolocation and temporal analysis.
• Data is structured by orbit, with approximately 16 files produced per day, offering consistent temporal sampling.

Limitations

• Column names and a precise row count are not provided, limiting immediate understanding of the data structure.
• Metadata freshness is conflicting, with one source showing an update in 2026 and another in 2014.
• Nighttime observations are limited to only the three infrared channels (3, 4, and 5).

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center)

Collection Method

Collected by the Visible and Infrared Scanner (VIRS) instrument aboard the TRMM satellite.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:40:23.432086 (conflict with 2014-03-21 source noted)

Geography

Between 38 degrees North and 38 degrees South latitude.