The Meteosat visible and infrared imager (or MVIRI) is the scientific instrument package on board the seven Meteosat first-generation geostationary meteorological satellites. This instrument is capable of capturing images in the visible, infrared, and water vapor regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The MVIRI captures essential information across various spectral bands. Its primary purpose is to observe and analyze atmospheric conditions, cloud formations, and surface temperatures. Some of the main features are:[citation needed]
The Meteosat satellites, including those equipped with the MVIRI, maintain a geostationary orbit. Positioned approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator, they remain synchronized with Earth's rotation. This fixed position allows continuous monitoring of specific regions, making them invaluable for weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster management.[citation needed]
The MVIRI's data supports a wide range of applications:[citation needed]