Copernicus4Schools

This booklet provides a clear introduction to Earth observation with the European Copernicus programme. It introduces the Sentinel satellites – the "Sentinels in Space" – and their tasks in observing the climate, environment and changes on Earth. In addition to technical basics such as resolution, spectra and image interpretation, the booklet shows practical examples of how satellite images can be used in school lessons – for example, in geography, biology, physics or computer science. It also explains current educational projects, freely available data portals and software tools such as…

Measuring temperatures is something we do every day. But how do you measure the temperature of the entire Earth? This video introduces you to the Sentinel-3 satellite, our "thermometer in space." You’ll learn how it measures the Earth’s heat from 800 km above, and what we can learn from it. We’ll look at fascinating thermal images, like one from a heatwave in Egypt. You’ll see how cities, deserts, and forests have different temperatures. In the end, we’ll explain why these measurements are so important for understanding climate change and extreme weather events.

Reflection in Focus – Earth Observation by Radar Satellites Radar satellites use the reflective properties of the Earth’s surface to gather valuable information. These satellites send electromagnetic waves to the Earth, which are reflected back from the surface and return to the satellite. The analysis of these returning signals makes it possible to identify different materials, structures, and even changes over time. But how do radar satellites use reflection to capture and analyze data about the Earth’s surface? And what can actually be detected in radar images? Use the worksheet…

Light is reflected in a specific direction from smooth surfaces, while rough surfaces scatter it in many directions. Radar satellites use this principle for Earth observation. They send microwaves to the Earth and analyze the returning signals to identify different types of surfaces. Smooth surfaces appear differently on radar images compared to rough ones. By analyzing these differences, scientists can gather important information about the Earth’s surface. Stay tuned to learn more!