Earth from Space

Excellent video from NOVA Season 40 Episode 6. Please watch to get a general idea of what we will be doing in this class.

Synopsis

"Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. Produced in extensive consultation with NASA scientists, NOVA takes data from earth-observing satellites and transforms it into dazzling visual sequences, each one exposing the intricate and surprising web of forces that sustains life on earth.

Viewers witness how dust blown from the Sahara fertilizes the Amazon; how a vast submarine "waterfall" off Antarctica helps drive ocean currents around the world; and how the Sun's heating up of the southern Atlantic gives birth to a colossally powerful hurricane. From the microscopic world of water molecules vaporizing over the ocean to the magnetic field that is bigger than Earth itself, the show reveals the astonishing beauty and complexity of our dynamic planet.

Key Themes

This documentary explores several key concepts relevant to remote sensing:

• Interconnected Earth Systems: How different parts of our planet interact
• Satellite Observations: Using space-based sensors to monitor Earth
• Data Visualization: Transforming satellite data into meaningful visuals
• Global Patterns: Understanding planetary-scale processes
• Climate and Weather: Monitoring atmospheric and oceanic dynamics
• Environmental Change: Tracking changes across space and time

How to Watch

You can watch "Earth from Space" through several sources:

• PBS NOVA Website - Check for streaming availability
• PBS LearningMedia - Educational resource platform
• Your local PBS station may have this available on demand
• Check university library streaming services

Connection to Course Material

As you watch this documentary, consider how it relates to what you're learning in this course:

Satellite Sensors

The documentary showcases data from various satellite missions—similar sensors are available in Google Earth Engine for your analysis.

Multi-Spectral Imaging

Notice how different wavelengths reveal different Earth features, just as you'll work with different spectral bands in your labs.

Time Series Analysis

The animations of Earth processes over time demonstrate the power of temporal analysis that you'll perform with image collections.

Global Scale Analysis

The documentary's planetary perspective illustrates the scale at which remote sensing can operate—something Google Earth Engine makes accessible to you.

Discussion Questions

After watching, reflect on these questions:

1. What types of satellite sensors were used to capture the phenomena shown?
2. How does the documentary visualize invisible processes (like ocean currents or atmospheric circulation)?
3. What role does temporal resolution play in understanding Earth's dynamic processes?
4. How might you use Google Earth Engine to investigate similar phenomena in your study area?
5. What surprised you most about the interconnectedness of Earth systems?

Additional Resources

• NASA Earth Observatory - Amazing satellite imagery and explanations
• NASA Earth Science - Current satellite missions
• NASA Worldview - Interactive satellite image viewer
• NASA Climate - Climate change and Earth observations