Glossary – G
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galactic
Having to do with the galaxy. A galaxy is one of billions of large systems of stars and gas, held together by gravity, that make up the universe.
gamma rays
A high energy photon, especially as emitted by a nucleus in a transition between two energy levels.
GEC
Geospace Electrodynamic Connections
GEO
Geostationary orbit
Geoid
The surface within or around the earth that is everywhere perpendicular to the direction of gravity and coincides with mean sea level in the oceans at rest. Sea level of a moving ocean has topography, the topography that is measured by altimeter satellites to observe ocean currents.
geospace
The area of space surrounding the Earth but outside of the Earth’s atmosphere – influenced by the particles and fields coming from the Sun.
GEOSS
Global Earth Observation System of Systems
geostationary
Describes an orbit in which a satellite is always in the same position (appears stationary) with respect to the rotating Earth.
GIS
geographic information systems
GLAST
Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope
GN
Ground Network
GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite Systems
GPM
Global Precipitation Measurement
GPS
global positioning system
GRACE
Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment
GSRP
Graduate Student Researchers Program
Gyre
A great, circular motion of water in each of the major ocean basins centered on subtropical high-pressure region, with circulation clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere.