APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
A Hurricane in the Gulf
Explanation: Last Friday, Hurricane Georges was photographed from space entering the Gulf of Mexico . This immense storm system , larger than most states, is expected to make landfall today. Starting as a slight pressure difference, hurricanes grow into large spiraling storm systems of low pressure, complete with high winds and driving rain. A hurricane is powered by evaporating ocean water, and so typically gains strength over warm water and loses strength over land. Currently offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricanes Ivan , Jeanne , and Karl swirl, but will likely stay well away from North America.
Recent GOES Satellite Image
| Date | September 28, 1998 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit: SeaWiFS Satellite, NASA |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |