Thursday, May 19, 2011

Satellite Image Shows Tornado's Path

NASA Photo

The path of destruction left behind by the EF-4 tornado that roared through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on April 27 is clearly visible in a satellite image from NASA's ASTER satellite system. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer is part of NASA's earth-observing Terra satellite. According to NASA's Science News, the photo shows the "tearing up" of vegetation along the twister's path.

As always, ham radio was a key element of the response to the outbreak of tornadoes in the southeast in late April and early May. For a comprehensive report on amateur activities, see the  "Public Service" column in the upcoming July issue of CQ.