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Satellites Keep Aircraft Away From Volcanic Cloud
coondoggie writes "A range of satellites from a host of different nations are pumping out images and data on the Icelandic volcano currently wreaking havoc on commercial airline traffic and aviation in general. The European Space Agency today noted four major satellites that are monitoring the volcano that erupted this week under Iceland's Eyjafjallajoekull glacier. They include NASA's Aqua and Aura as well as the European Space Agency's Envisat and MetOp spacecraft. Other satellites such as NASA's Terra and NOAA's GOES satellite also provide images." Updated 20100416 01:17 GMT by timothy: Apropos that, 2Y9D57 writes with this "Image of the Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, after it began erupting on 15 April. Acquired by the German TerraSAR-X synthetic aperture radar satellite from a height of about 500 kilometers / 300 miles."
Ok seriously where does this name come from
"Eyjafjallajoekull" translates to: All your ash are belong to us
Without these satellites, there would be no way to communicate where the cloud is:
Pilot: So where is this eruption at?
Control: I'm sorry, I've talked to the other three guys here and we don't have a clue how to pronounce the name of this glacier. I don't think we can help you. Good luck!
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Satellites Keep Aircraft Away From Volcanic Cloud
I didn't realize satellites could fly so low, let alone herd airplanes like sheep. Amazing what they can do these days...
Authority questions you. Return the favor.