New research has revealed that modern weather prediction models are not only capable of forecasting weather patterns but can also accurately predict satellite movements based on the energy emitted and reflected by the Earth. This breakthrough finding opens up new possibilities for understanding how satellites respond to weather events and improving satellite operations.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) at the University of Helsinki, focused on the influence of Earth’s energy emissions and reflections on the movements of low Earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites. By utilizing advanced numerical weather models, the researchers were able to gain insights into how satellites interact with weather phenomena such as tropical cyclones.

Lead author of the study, Sanam Motlaghzadeh, emphasized the importance of these findings in enhancing satellite tracking and control. By understanding how weather conditions impact satellite movements, researchers can improve the accuracy of satellite-based measurements used in climate studies. This is crucial for ensuring the reliability of satellite data and determining precise satellite orbits affected by weather events.

Satellites play a vital role in various Earth monitoring tasks, including vegetation monitoring, water resource tracking, and glacier observation. The ability to predict satellite movements based on weather conditions can significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of satellite operations, ultimately benefiting a wide range of scientific and environmental studies.