On dark nights, one can usually spot a satellite moving
across the sky, its familiar bright white light a reflection
of the sun bouncing off of its metallic surfaces. Satellites
provide functions most of us are familiar with, such as satellite
TV, satellite phones, GPS, and weather forecasts.
Yet did you know that these same satellites can also tell
us what areas are at greater risk for the West Nile Virus?
Or can predict an outbreak of the Avian Flu at up to 70%
accuracy?
Tiros-1, a weather satellite, took the first satellite images
of Earth in 1960. Since then, scientists have developed new
satellite technology at a rapid pace. In our world today, satellites
can record images of heat signatures, moisture levels, vegetation,
and even elevation (up to 30 inches). By using remote sensors,
they are used to gather important information on environmental
changes that can trigger deadly outbreaks of diseases among
different regions of the world. By combining the collective
power of satellites with fieldwork done by health workers and
various agencies, diseases can then be predicted, prevented,
and prepared for. Scientists use the information tracked by
satellites to identify ‘hot spots’ around the globe,
predicting where the next outbreak might occur. Agencies and
health workers then work on making these regions more aware
of the risks, implementing effective warning systems and preventative
measures.
To predict outbreaks of the Avian Flu, researchers in China
(which has a high frequency of outbreaks) studied satellite
images showing moisture levels, crop details, and other environmental
factors. This information was coordinated with other data,
such as agricultural practices and bird migratory patterns,
and then used to spot trends between these factors and outbreaks
of the Avian Flu.
In a study funded by NASA, satellites acquired land surface
temperature and moisture images which helped scientists to
monitor and predict the spread of West Nile Virus. West Nile
Virus causes flu-like symptoms which can be fatal to those
with lowered immune systems, as well as the elderly. Scientists
believe the disease is spread by infected birds that mosquitoes
feed upon and then carry along to the next host – be
it a bird, an animal or a person. The images taken by the satellites
were used to track migratory paths of birds and also to pinpoint
areas where the moisture and heat levels are conducive to the
breeding of mosquitoes.
Based upon satellite imagery of the area, scientists recently
predicted that the “Four Corners” region of the
United States (where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah
meet) will be at greater risk for this year for the Hantavirus
infection. Hantavirus, a deadly respiratory infection, is
commonly spread through mouse droppings. To arrive at their
predictions,
scientists first studied mice tissue samples to determine
which species place humans at the greatest risk, then they
used
satellite imagery to pinpoint where these mice most likely
habitat.
In addition to disease ‘hot spot’ mapping, satellites
can also track environmental events like dust storms, fires,
icebergs, floods, snow, storms, tropical cyclones, ocean levels,
and oil spills. Every 30 minutes, a satellite is recording
and tracking environmental events around the globe. Anyone
can access this data at data at http://www.osei.noaa.gov/
Having come a long way from their humble beginnings over
30 years ago, satellites now take a major and active role
in our
day-to-day lives, possibly much more than we know. Keep an
eye to the sky and you may see these ‘sentinels in space’ in
a much different light.
Do you have a comment or feedback on
this article? Email
us and let us know what you think.
|
