NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System)

Context: As part of the Earth Observing System (EOS), NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System) instruments are the primary tools for measuring Earth’s Energy Budget.

About NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System)

• NASA’s CERES is a suite of space-based radiometers designed to measure both solar-reflected and Earth-emitted radiation from the top of the atmosphere (TOA) to the Earth’s surface.
• Operational Goal: To provide a long-term, high-accuracy record of the Earth’s radiation budget.
• Platform: Currently operating on several satellites, including Terra, Aqua, and Suomi NPP.

CERES measures three specific components of the Earth’s energy flow:

1. Incoming Solar Radiation: The energy received from the Sun.
2. Reflected Shortwave Radiation: Sunlight reflected into space by clouds, aerosols, and the Earth’s surface (Albedo).
3. Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR): Thermal infrared energy (heat) emitted by the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

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