The following graphics show the daily amount of energy incident on the ground for a given day.  These values are calculated using GOES-9, GOES-10, GOES-12 and METEOSAT-7 visible satellite images for each daylight hour.  The approximate amount of energy reaching the ground is calculated for each image.  This model takes into account the effect of clouds if there are clouds present.  Every night, the images are integrated together to give the estimated total amount of energy reaching the ground from the sun.

These values are based on a model developed by Dr. George Diak (CIMSS) and Dr. John Mecikalski (CIMSS/University of Alabama in Huntsville).

Contact person: Dr. John R. Mecikalski
Email: john.mecikalski@nsstc.uah.edu

For more information about how these values are calculated see:

Diak, G. R., W. L. Bland, and J. R. Mecikalski.   "A note on first estimates of surface insolation from GOES-8 visible satellite data." Ag. For. Meteor.  1996: 82, 219-226.

Otkin, J. A., M. C. Anderson, G. R. Diak, and J. R. Mecikalski, 2004: Vaidation of GOES-based insolation estimates using data from the United States climate reference network. Submitted. J. Hydrometeor.

Insolation Plots:
Eastern North America
Western North Americ
South America
Florida

Other Solar Insolation Images:
CIMSS Land Surface Group
UW Soil Science Web Page

Eastern North America • Latest Plot • Noon Satellite Image

Western North America • Latest Plot • Noon Satellite Image

South America Plot Information • Latest Plot • Noon Satellite Image