Bermuda Race Satellite Winds

Overlay both the ASCAT and WINDSAT satellite winds onto a surface analysis map, all of which are overlaid on Google earth (GE).

Just download and save these files. Then open GE and drag the files one at a time on to the globe over Bermuda. They will then update to the latest data every time you view them.  The times for each will be different, so you have to coordinate that a bit and compare the satellite pass that is closest to the map time.

This process loads these "places" into your Temporary Places in GE, on the left sidebar (might need to check menu view/sidebar). When you close GE you will get the option to save them into your My Places, so they will  be there next time you open GE.

We discuss satellite winds else where in this blog.  Just posting these files for now, since the race starts Friday.  I will fill in details on how to make them for other areas and how to use them tactically later on.  In short, this is the best possible data in that it is real wind, not a forecast. Satellite passes get updated about once a day, sometimes twice. The surface analysis map is updated 4 times a day.

Will be best to look at the weather map and just  one of the satellite passes at a time, ideally the one with the closest time. You can adjust properties to change transparency level.

WindSat Descending

ASCAT Descending south part
ASCAT Descending north part

OPC Surface Analysis

WindSat Ascending

ASCAT Ascending south part
ASCAT Ascending north part

Besides learning about winds in this region, watching these data sheets over time is a good way to learn the values of satellite data and also to learn the distinctions between ASCAT data and WINDSAT data.  In these examples the ASCAT are higher resolution.

If you need help getting this working, give us a call at Starpath and we will help.  206-783-1414. Google Earth  must be downloaded and installed.  www.earth.google.com.

We discussed this trick in Modern Marine Weather back in 2008, but GE has made it even easier to implement now. The only trick is moving the overlays around to get them properly georeferenced. These links have that done for you.

Here shows the great value of this process. The sat pass and map are abut the same time, 12-14z on sunday 6/17. We learn details of wind around the LOW that cannot be learned otherwise.