GPS Series: Satellite - GOES Traditional Cache

This Geocache can be found on its own, or as part of the series that is placed within this section of land. You do not need to find any others in order to find this one, and all of them utilize the same parking location.

You can park your vehicle at N 43d 03.178’ x W 79d 16.229’

There are numerous ATV Trails throughout this area, however there is no signage to indicated that ATV’s are permitted.

The text after this is for those wishing to complete the entire series.

For most people, GPS Units and Satellites are basically some strange black box that we have a minor understanding of how it works, but most of the technical details are not really important. As long as we can find our way, that’s good enough. The short version is that GPS units determine our location based upon a calculation of the distance we are away from Satellites that are in orbit above the Earth. This is called Triangulation. Normally only three Satellites are needed to determine a location, but the more that are available the more accurate the GPS Unit becomes. However, even with multiple Satellites, accuracy can vary around 5-10 meters.

This Geocache is one of four Satellite Geocaches. On the outside of the container is the distance in meters that this location is away from the GPS Unit. By using the distances found on some or all of the Satellite Geocaches you will be able to find the GPS Unit.

The remainder of this Geocache Description is purely for historical or educational purposes. As such the rest of the provided text will not assist you with finding any of the Geocaches in the area.

As copied from: GOES Information and History

The first GOES was launched on Oct. 16, 1975. The early GOES satellites were spin stabilized and viewed the earth only about ten percent of the time. These satellites were in operation from 1975 until 1994. From April 13, 1994, to the present, a new generation of three-axis stabilized spacecraft (GOES I-M) has been in operation. GOES-8, the first of the new generation, was launched April 13, 1994. Since then, GOES-9, GOES-10, and GOES-11 have been launched. This generation of satellites view the earth 100 percent of the time, taking continuous images and soundings. GOES satellites provide data for severe storm evaluation, information on cloud cover, winds, ocean currents, fog distribution, storm circulation and snow melt, using visual and infrared imagery. The satellites also receive transmissions from free-floating balloons, buoys and remote automatic data collection stations around the world.

GOES satellites are a mainstay of weather forecasting in the United States. They are the backbone of short-term forecasting or nowcasting. The real-time weather data gathered by GOES satellites, combined with data from Doppler radars and automated surface observing systems, greatly aids weather forecasters in providing warnings of thunderstorms, winter storms, flash floods, hurricanes, and other severe weather. These warnings help to save lives and preserve property.

The United States operates two meteorological satellites in geostationary orbit, one over the East Coast and one over the West Coast with overlapping coverage over the United States. The GOES satellites are a critical component of the ongoing National Weather Service modernization program, aiding forecasters in providing more precise and timely forecasts. The next GOES satellite (GOES-M) is planned for launch in July 2001.

For more information regarding the History of Satellites, check out National Geographic: Eye in the Sky

Hope you enjoy the cache - Please ensure that the geocache is well hidden in the same location that it was found.

The Blue Quasar

Cache Maintenance Performed On: 31 JUL 08
Details: Archived - Cache Container Removed

Thanks to all those that visited.

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