New Era in Satellite Imaging: NOAA Reveals Spectacular GOES-19 Photos Over Gulf of Mexico

Screenshot from NOAA videoPhoto byNOAA Press release

On Sept. 18, 2024, NOAA shared the first stunning images of the Western Hemisphere from GOES-19, the newest geostationary satellite in NOAA’s fleet.

Launched on June 25, 2024, aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, GOES-19 will provide critical data for weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and disaster response — vital for Florida's hurricane-prone region.

As part of NOAA’s mission to advance geostationary satellite technology, GOES-19 will orbit 22,236 miles above the equator, continuously monitoring weather patterns and hazards, including hurricanes in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, both crucial for Florida’s preparedness.

This advanced satellite, equipped with the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), will enhance storm tracking, providing real-time data for hurricane warnings. It will also detect wildfires, monitor coastal storms, and improve forecasting, benefiting residents, businesses, and first responders across the Sunshine State.

The GOES-19 images mark an exciting step for NOAA's work on behalf of Florida and the broader U.S., with the satellite expected to replace GOES-16 as GOES-East by April 2025, ensuring Florida's coastline remains under careful watch as we enter an era of even more advanced satellite technology.

For more information, visit NOAA.gov.