On this night in science
A weather satellite that stays in one place
October 16, 1975
On this day in 1975, a weather satellite called GOES-1 launched from Florida. It flew so high, and at just the right speed, that it kept pace with the turning Earth and stayed over the same part of the world, watching the clouds below.
Why it mattered
GOES-1 was the first of a long line of GOES satellites. Newer ones still watch the skies over the Americas today, helping forecasters see weather on its way.
Wonder together
If you could watch the clouds over your house from very high up, what do you think you'd see moving?