TIROS-1:  A FORECAST REVOLUTION

Imagine a world without weather satellites! Or for that matter, Google Earth!   A little over 50 years ago, that was reality, plain and simple.  Since then, we have come to depend on modern weather prediction for everything from vacation planning to life-saving evacuations. Yes, there is still grumbling over the water cooler about the snow that never came…or the surprise storm that did!  But our society has come miles, literally, from its humble beginnings of weather observation.   All of this started with a small, unassuming satellite called TIROS-1.  (Television Infrared Observation Satellite-1).  This short piece was made to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of its launch, and  to give a brief look at the emergence of NASA and NOAA's earth observing satellites. 

While at NASA, Victoria Weeks produced and edited this piece,  and it played at the AIAA's celebration of TIROS-1,  joined by a live performance of Bella Gaia by Kenji Williams, as well as talks by nature photographer James Balog and climate scientist Dr. Waleed Abdalati.  With comments from NASA's Administrator, Charlie Bolden, and Senator Barbara Mikulski, it was truly an event to remember, showcasing how endeavors of science, works of art, and the visionary efforts of civil servants can culminate in progress for all humankind.