figure 2. GOES image of wave pattern in U.S. April 30, 1700 UTC.
image courtesy of M. Ramamurt h y, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign
Because the GOES image has a very wide field of view, it is able to observe the extrat-
ropical cyclone in its entirety. The polar orbiter can often observe only a portion of the
entire wave, although the resolution of individual clouds is much more precise in the
polar-orbiter image. The greater frequency of the GOES image (once per hour) also
provides the ability to closely observe the evolution of weather features. GOES images
are now readily available on the Internet. Information about obtaining images electron-
ically is included in Section 6 of this Chapter and in the Resources section.