Copernicus EU

Copernicus EU The Earth Observation component of the EU Space Programme Posts here do not always reflect the most current information.
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The Copernicus team of the European Commission will be using Facebook as a supplemental channel to disseminate information about Copernicus – The European Earth Observation Programme and its partners and projects. For current official information, visit: http://www.copernicus.eu

Venice, Italy, is a historic city renowned for its canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, drawing mi...
12/12/2024

Venice, Italy, is a historic city renowned for its canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, drawing millions of visitors each year. 🇮🇹

In November 2019, the worst recorded flood since 1966 affected more than 80% of the city, causing millions of euros in damage.

Since then, restoration efforts have been underway to repair the damage caused by the flooding, such as the ‘In Venitia Hortus Redemptoris’ project to restore the centuries-old Garden of the Redeemer.

After two years of work, the garden opened to the public as the Orto Giardino del Redentore on 26 October 2024, providing visitors with access to its greenhouse, workshops, and Venetian lagoon.

The city of Venice is visible in this image acquired on 23 November 2024.

Copernicus provides comprehensive Earth Observation data useful in urban planning and environmental management, helping decision-makers create more sustainable and livable cities.


The Ottenby nature reserve, located on the southern tip of Öland, Sweden, is a diverse natural area renowned for its ric...
11/12/2024

The Ottenby nature reserve, located on the southern tip of Öland, Sweden, is a diverse natural area renowned for its rich biodiversity.

This Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site includes wet grasslands, beaches, pastures, and sandbanks. Known as one of the top areas for birdwatching in Sweden, 377 species of birds have been observed at Ottenby.

At the Ottenby Bird Observatory, part of the nature reserve and located at the southern cape of the island, around 20,000 birds are ringmarked annually, contributing insights to bird migration research.

The reserve's combination of unique ecosystems and scientific significance makes it an essential ecological site.

The Ottenby nature reserve is visible in this image acquired on 23 November 2024, when it was covered with snow.

Copernicus Sentinel satellite data supports the monitoring of important ecosystems around the world, helping to ensure that their biodiversity is well preserved.


It hasn't been even a week since we launched our C satellite.🚀🛰📣Guess what❓️It already calibrated and delivered its fi...
10/12/2024

It hasn't been even a week since we launched our C satellite.🚀🛰

📣Guess what❓️

It already calibrated and delivered its first radar images of Earth! 🌏🎉

This Sentinel-1C image of the Netherlands 🇳🇱 echoes the very first SAR image acquired by the legacy European Remote-Sensing (ERS) mission in 1991, which captured the Flevoland polder and the Ijsselmeer – marking the first European radar image ever taken from space. 🌍🇪🇺

In this image, you can spot part of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam and the region of Flevoland, renowned for its extensive farmland and advanced water management systems. 🚜💧

Our satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument.

This cutting-edge technology allows it to deliver high-resolution imagery day and night, in all weather conditions. This is how it supports critical applications such as environmental management, disaster response and climate change research.

Home Reef is an underwater volcano in the Tonga Archipelago, characterised by cyclical eruptions, which can last from a ...
10/12/2024

Home Reef is an underwater volcano in the Tonga Archipelago, characterised by cyclical eruptions, which can last from a few days to several weeks.

While not constantly active, its eruptions can produce hazards such as tsunamis, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows, as in the eruption of January 2022, which caused widespread damage to nearby islands.

On 7 December 2024, a new eruption began at the Home Reef volcano in Tonga. This marks the second eruptive period of Home Reef in 2024, following one that occurred between June and July.

A strong thermal anomaly was detected by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on the same day that the eruption began, along with a horizontally spreading plume extending over 8 kilometres.

The Copernicus Sentinel satellites deliver key information on volcanic activity worldwide, providing insights on eruptions and their impacts to help keep affected communities safer.



The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has published its latest monthly Climate Bulletin, focused on key climate tr...
09/12/2024

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has published its latest monthly Climate Bulletin, focused on key climate trends in November 2024.

The bulletin indicates that November 2024 was the second-warmest November globally, following November 2023, with an average surface air temperature of 14.10°C, which is 0.73°C above the 1991-2020 average for the month.

From January to November 2024, the global-average temperature anomaly stood at 0.72°C above the 1991-2020 average, marking the highest recorded for this period and measuring 0.14°C warmer than the same period in 2023.

In light of this trend, it is virtually certain that 2024 will be the warmest year on record, exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, according to C3S data.

This data visualisation, based on C3S data, shows the surface air temperature anomaly for November 2024 across the European continent and parts of Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

C3S data is essential for tracking global climate trends, providing valuable insights to help decision-makers develop and implement effective climate strategies for the future.


With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, cities are key to implementing the European Green Deal and fostering a...
08/12/2024

With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, cities are key to implementing the European Green Deal and fostering a sustainable, low-carbon society. Since 2010, the European Green Capital Award has recognised cities’ efforts to become greener and cleaner.

On 27 November 2024, the European Commission announced Guimarães, Portugal, as the European Green Capital of 2026 thanks to its commitment to continuously improving sustainable development and its results in seven environmental management areas.

The city has made sustainability a central part of its culture, as exemplified in its motto, ‘One Planet City’.

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 17 November 2024, shows Guimarães from above.

Open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites is essential to providing communities with important insights that drive informed environmental policies and strategies.



This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, showcases a striking phenomenon caused by the bora w...
07/12/2024

This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, showcases a striking phenomenon caused by the bora wind over the Adriatic Sea between Croatia's Dalmatian coast and the island of Pag.

On the day the image was acquired, the bora - a strong katabatic wind blowing from the land - reached speeds of more than 100 km/h. As it descended through the mountainous terrain along the Croatian coast, the wind accelerated, creating short, choppy waves that broke into distinctive white foam.

The parallel streaks visible on the sea surface reflected the interaction between wind and water, forming linear patterns aligned with the direction of the wind. The relatively shallow and narrow waters of the Adriatic intensified the effect, causing the waves to foam more easily.

Bora winds can impact navigation. The Copernicus Marine Service supports the optimisation of navigation routes by providing high-resolution ocean data, including wind, wave, and current forecasts.



The Albufera Natural Park is one of Europe’s most biodiverse coastal wetlands. Home to over 372 bird species and endange...
06/12/2024

The Albufera Natural Park is one of Europe’s most biodiverse coastal wetlands. Home to over 372 bird species and endangered freshwater fish, the Park’s water quality has deteriorated significantly after the disastrous floods, which affected the Valencia Region, Spain, at the end of October 2024.

This is evident in the change in the water’s colour, visible in these Copernicus Sentinel-2 images acquired on 26 November 2023 and 30 November 2024.

In the 2023 image, the lagoon displays its characteristic dark blue colour. By contrast, the 2024 image reveals lighter, murky tones in the water, indicative of sediment and pollutants introduced by the floodwater.

Open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites is key to monitoring global floods, providing valuable insights not only during the event itself but also in assessing the long-term impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems.


06/12/2024

The latest addition to the Copernicus fleet now in orbit. C carries a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument, which allows it to capture high-resolution radar images of the Earth's surface day and night under all weather conditions.

Copernicus Sentinel-1C products and services are widely used for observing ground deformation, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

The satellite is also a powerful tool in the fight against environmental challenges as it helps us swiftly map floods and deforestation.

Sentinel-1C is equipped with an AIS antenna, to better help authorities track dark vessels, and monitor illegal fishing activities.

🇪🇺

ArianeGroup ESA - European Space Agency Airbus Space CNES European Commission

Every austral summer, oceanographic, and seasonal condition in the eastern Great Australian Bight favour the development...
05/12/2024

Every austral summer, oceanographic, and seasonal condition in the eastern Great Australian Bight favour the development of phytoplankton blooms.

Seasonal winds and ocean currents contribute to the redistribution of nutrients in the water column, creating ideal conditions for these microscopic organisms to thrive.

As the foundation of the marine food web, phytoplankton plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems and global climate regulation.

Their seasonal abundance attracts diverse marine life, including fish and large marine mammals such as blue whales, which rely on the rich feeding grounds generated by this productivity.

A phytoplankton bloom spanning more than 800 km off the coast of Melbourne is visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-3 image acquired on 3 December 2024.

The Copernicus Sentinel satellites and services, particularly the Copernicus Marine Service, provide essential data for monitoring the Earth’s oceans and the impacts of climate change on their ecosystems.



Gribskov, or ‘Grib Forest’, is the fourth-largest forest in Denmark, covering an area of over 5,500 hectares.This lush w...
04/12/2024

Gribskov, or ‘Grib Forest’, is the fourth-largest forest in Denmark, covering an area of over 5,500 hectares.

This lush woodland is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including lakes, bogs, and meadows, which provide essential habitats for diverse flora and fauna.

As a Natura 2000 site, operations to preserve Gribskov are key to protecting species such as the osprey, sea eagle, and fallow deer.

Gribskov and the adjacent Lake Esrum are visible in this image acquired on 2 October 2024 by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites.

Open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites helps to monitor important ecosystems around the world, helping to ensure that their wildlife and unique environmental characteristics are well preserved.



On 28 November 2024, the international Nuuk Airport opened in Greenland’s capital, ushering in an era of increased acces...
03/12/2024

On 28 November 2024, the international Nuuk Airport opened in Greenland’s capital, ushering in an era of increased accessibility for the Arctic region.

With a 2,200-metre runway, the airport will connect larger jet aircraft flying between Iceland, Denmark, Canada, and the US.

The new facility is expected to boost tourism in the country, complementing the cruise ships and other flights, which already bring in 130,000 visitors per year.

The Nuuk Airport is visible in this image acquired on 18 November 2024 by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites.

The Copernicus Sentinel satellites play a key role in the monitoring of Arctic regions, providing insights to help inform sustainable tourism policies and decision-making.




In 2024, Brazil, the world's largest exporter of soya and corn, faced one of the worst droughts in its recent history.Am...
02/12/2024

In 2024, Brazil, the world's largest exporter of soya and corn, faced one of the worst droughts in its recent history.

Among the worst affected rivers is the Tapajós, a key artery for grain trade from the state of Mato Grosso, the beating heart of Brazil's agricultural production. In October, its water level reached historic lows, forcing the suspension of barge traffic.

Copernicus Sentinel-2 images clearly show the impact of the crisis. In the bottom image acquired on 10 October, large areas of sand can be seen in the riverbed, a sign of the drastic reduction in water levels.

Thanks to the November rains, the river has partially regained its flow, as shown in the top image dated 19 November, allowing river transport to resume at 50 per cent of its capacity.

The Copernicus Global Drought Observatory (GDO) monitors and provides data on global drought conditions to support water resource management and emergency response.



This image from one of our Sentinel-2 satellites, acquired on 2 October 2024, shows part of the Koyukuk River in Alaska,...
01/12/2024

This image from one of our Sentinel-2 satellites, acquired on 2 October 2024, shows part of the Koyukuk River in Alaska, USA. The area has been the subject of studies which have provided valuable insights into the Earth's permafrost.

In Alaska, where many riverbanks are permanently frozen, mapping the extent of permafrost and analysing the vegetation helps researchers understand how permafrost responds to changes in air temperature.

The findings show that new permafrost deposits are forming along the Koyukuk River. However, the rate of formation is not fast enough to counterbalance the thawing caused by rising temperatures. This is significant because melting permafrost releases carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to a warming climate.

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites, equipped with multi-spectral instruments, play a key role in monitoring Earth's bodies of water. The data they collect supports scientists and policymakers in understanding the impacts of climate change and developing strategies to address these challenges.



At the end of November 2024, heavy snowfall covered large parts of South Korea for two consecutive days, blanketing larg...
30/11/2024

At the end of November 2024, heavy snowfall covered large parts of South Korea for two consecutive days, blanketing large areas of the country.

In the capital, Seoul, 16 cm of snow accumulated—the highest recorded for November since 1907. The severe weather led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, nationwide road closures, and at least five deaths.

Snow-covered areas around Seoul are seen in this image acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellites on 29 November.

The Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission is equipped with the Ocean Land Colour Instrument (OLCI), which provides multispectral data in 21 different spectral bands with a daily revisit time. The OLCI spectral measurements allow important snow properties to be extracted with a spatial resolution of 300 metres.



In 2024, Sicily, Italy faced its worst drought in almost 20 years, with nearly empty reservoirs and water rationing affe...
29/11/2024

In 2024, Sicily, Italy faced its worst drought in almost 20 years, with nearly empty reservoirs and water rationing affecting up to two million people. 

In response, authorities declared a state of emergency, with plans to manage the drought through the reintroduction of desalination plants.

Lake Caccamo, located in Sicily, is shown in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 25 July 2024. The lake used to be one of the largest in Sicily, but on 1 August, it reached only 18 million cubic metres in comparison to its capacity of 100 million cubic metres.

Globally, droughts have increased by 29% since 2000 due to climate change and unsustainable land management, with water scarcity affecting 30% of Europeans and 20% of land each year.

The Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification starts on 2 December, and the EU will work to tackle drought, desertification, and land degradation 🇪🇺 🤝 🌎

Open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites is essential for monitoring drought and its widespread impacts in affected countries. This information is key to mapping changes in bodies of water and informing management efforts.


The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve on Siargao Island in the Philippines was recently designated a Ramsar Site of Internatio...
28/11/2024

The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve on Siargao Island in the Philippines was recently designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance.

Spanning nearly 4,900 hectares, the reserve forms the country's largest contiguous mangrove forest. The area’s intertidal flats and upland forests are connected by the mangroves, providing a way for birds to move more easily between the two types of habitats.

The reserve hosts 245 animal species, including endangered species such as the Philippine duck and Southern rufous hornbill, while supporting the local fishing and tourism industries.

The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve is visible in this Sentinel-2 image acquired on 27 September 2024.

The Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide essential data on the state of mangroves around the world, providing key insights to better protect these important ecosystems.



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Video's

This video showcases the ongoing cold temperatures and snowfall during the last weeks in Santa Cruz Province and part of Patagonia in Argentina. 🇦🇷 These conditions have covered in snow ❄️ a vast territory, posing one of the hardest conditions in the last years. The video is made of two Sentinel-2 passes acquired on the 30th of June and the 2nd of July 2024. It covers about 500 km north-south, Santa Cruz Province, and part of Patagonia in Argentina. #CopernicusEU #Sentinel2 📷 Courtesy of @i_ameztoy

#DYK that the concentration of phytoplankton in the waters of the northern hemisphere is at its highest at this time of year? The increased sunlight☀️ in spring and summer stimulates its growth, which is essential for marine food webs and ecosystem health🌱🐟. 📽️⬆️Annual phytoplankton oscillation retrieved with the #MyOcean Viewer of our #CopernicusMarine Service

#DYK that our @CMEMS_EU data helps monitor and forecast the velocity and direction of sea water 🌊 across the globe? ⬇️ Currents 🌀 forming in the Gibraltar Strait and Alboran Sea visualised in the #CopernicusMarine #MyOceanViewer

Our #CopernicusMarine Service is gearing up towards its 8th General Assembly It will provide an opportunity to learn more about the latest developments in marine observation and forecasting 🌊 🗓️4-5 June, 📽️Online More info is available 🔗 https://events.marine.copernicus.eu/copernicus-marine-general-assembly-2024

🌊🔬 #DYK that the Amazon River plays a key role in influencing global ocean salinity? Our #CopernicusMarine Service provides valuable data on this and many other parameters critical for protecting #OurOcean ⬇️📽️ Annual Sea Water Salinity oscillation retrieved with the #MyOcean Viewer

According to the latest #CopernicusEMS #GDO report, southern Africa is being affected by a severe and prolonged #drought ⬇️Soil moisture is heavily impacted, as shown in this #CEMS Global Drought Observatory product More details at 👇 https://e.copernicus.eu/GDO_Report_SouthernAfrica

Recently, Mexico 🇲🇽 and Venezuela 🇻🇪 have been plagued by severe #wildfires ⬇️ Aerosol transport in Central America – Animation based on the #OpenData of our #CopernicusAtmosphere Monitoring Service

#Copernicus Thematic Hub Our #HealthHub is designed to be a key resource for policymakers, giving them access to essential data that supports 🌍Decisions on climate adaptation 🏥Public health strategies Read more in our #CopernicusObserver 👇https://e.copernicus.eu/OBS_HealthHub

Last year, we launched the #Copernicus Thematic Hubs 🙌 On our #EnergyHub, you can find all the Copernicus #OpenData and products relevant for the renewable energy sector ⚡️ Read more in our #CopernicusObserver 👇 https://www.copernicus.eu/en/news/news/observer-depth-look-copernicus-energy-thematic-hub

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