Belgian Earth Observation

Goodbye #MTGI1... Hello #Meteosat-12! Meteosat-12 became fully operational today, 👏 and the satellite has been renamed to mark the occasion. It is set to transform weather forecasting across Europe, Africa, and beyond. 🛰️🌍 Read more about the news here: https://bit.ly/4ichWUr Our most recent video from Meteosat-12 below shows Storm #Bora over Greece from 29 Nov - 02 Dec, which caused major flooding in parts after heavy rain.  Visit our website for another recent view over Central Africa/Congo, showing strong lightning activity: https://bit.ly/49pAwVg These animations are created from both the onboard FCI and LI instruments, working in synergy to provide imagery and lightning activity information. European Space Agency - ESA

STEREO IV – call for proposals 2025    Dear BE Earth Observation community the fourth STEREO call for proposals is now open (foreign partners can be involved in proposals!!!). This call concerns thematic projects.    Closing dates:  Expression of interest (mandatory): 30 January 2025 at 4 PM  Research proposals: 7 April 2025 at 4 PM    More information: https://lnkd.in/edXbFBqy    For any question don’t hesitate to contact me or my colleague Joost Vandenabeele,

You should definitely check out this first (animated!) episode on #DestinationEarth! Destination Earth is a partnership between the European Commission, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the European Space Agency - ESA and EUMETSAT aimed at building digital twins of earth in order to predict the effects of #ClimateChange and to build resilience against its effects. To learn more about #DestinE (as it is also called), be sure to pay us a visit on our dedicated webpage: https://lnkd.in/ebEcJ-ci

We’re deeply saddened to share that John Morgan, EUMETSAT’s founding Director, passed away on 25 October. As our first Director from 1986-1995, John’s leadership transformed EUMETSAT from a small team into a fully operational satellite agency, facilitating collaboration among satellite operators globally.   Starting with only three staff members in 1986, John took on every role - from policy and planning to picking out essentials for the office.   His contributions went beyond EUMETSAT, advancing meteorological data access and fostering partnerships worldwide.   EUMETSAT Director-General Phil Evans said: “John had a remarkable ability to quickly mobilise resources and drive major projects to completion and he played a pivotal role in shaping EUMETSAT’s programmes and working culture. Even after retiring he remained closely connected to EUMETSAT, actively contributing to programmes as a consultant and trusted confidant, and ultimately the success of the organisation. John was well known as someone hard working and diplomatic, with a great humility and sense of humour. However perhaps what inspired me most about him was his kindness and warmth. Our thoughts are with John’s wife Angela and his family at this time.” Read more here: https://bit.ly/3NShRrd

🌌💧 Yesterday, #STEREOresearcher Dimitry Van der Zande shared an eye-opening presentation at the #EYCSpaceTalks. His talk highlighted how the European Space Agency - ESA's specialized satellites monitor critical changes in the North Sea—tracking algae growth, temperature shifts and pollution patterns. This invaluable data empowers scientists and policymakers to protect our oceans from the impacts of #tourism, #industry and #ClimateChange. Thank you, Dimitry, for showcasing how #EarthObservation is making waves for ocean health! ➡Learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/esqWJS3q

🌍📡 How is the conflict in the Middle East reshaping global trade routes? Check out this article by the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB), now also featured on our #BEO website. It explores how satellite technology allows us to detect significant shifts in maritime routes through the Red Sea due to the escalating situation in the region. Discover how this conflict is impacting one of the world’s most essential trade corridors, with satellite data providing unprecedented insights into the global supply chain disruptions. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3WQWXRu #maritimetrade #Israel #BIRA #IASB #RemoteSensing #EarthObservation #Sentinel5P

🌍🌳 Exciting developments in the world of forest research! 🌳🌍 At the Belgian #STEREOprogramme, we're always thrilled to highlight innovative work in #EarthObservation. One of our key collaborators, Prof. Kim Calders from Ghent University, recently appeared in a fascinating YouTube video discussing his cutting-edge research in forest dynamics and 3D forest scanning. His work leverages terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and LiDAR to produce detailed models of forest structures, offering invaluable insights into how ecosystems function and evolve. Prof. Calders has been an integral part of past STEREO projects like #3DFOREST, where his research played a vital role in enhancing our understanding of forest biomass, carbon storage, and forest ecosystem services. Check out the full video here and learn more about how laser scanning is transforming the study of our planet’s forests! https://lnkd.in/egsgVj_x #EarthObservation #STEREOProgram #ForestResearch #KimCalders #LiDAR #Forestry #3DForestMapping #SustainableForests #CarbonStorage

Many congratulations to Dr. Baoying Shan for successfully defending her PhD! 🎓     For her research, Baoying collaborated with KERMIT (Knowledge-based, predictive and spatio-temporal modelling) and the Hydro-Climate Extremes Lab (H-CEL). The work and dedication she has invested in her research over the past few years have led to valuable insights into compound extreme climate events (ECEs) and their ecological and agronomical effects, such as the impact on butterfly populations in England. 🦋     Her sparkling presence in the office will be missed, but we are incredibly proud of her achievements. We wish her the best of luck in her new position with the EcoHyS Group at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) of the Politecnico di Milano. ✨

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak at the second Space Talks organized by Ghent European Youth Capital 2024 I presented the City of Liège's Canopy Plan and highlighted how research at ISSeP helped identify optimal locations for planting new urban trees as part of the city's climate change adaptation strategy. 🌳 Prof. Hans Verbeeck's presentation offered a clear explanation of how nature-based solutions are necessary for making our cities more resilient to climate change 🏙 Special thanks to Philippe Michiels for organizing the event. #PlanCanopée #Liège #Sustainability #Climatechange

Looking for a job in the Space sector? Come and visit ESA booth at the Unicareers fair on 27 September in Luxembourg city. Register now! Ps: Buses are organised to join from several cities including Brussels.