A National Geographic story about a potential gap in weather satellite coverage features J. Marshall Shepherd, geography professor and director of the atmospheric sciences program in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
Shepherd told National Geographic that the system of satellites that monitors weather and sends information to forecasters and climate researchers is in trouble because of aging U.S. satellites. He said there are concerns about whether replacements for broken satellites will be ready in time because of budget concerns and mismanagement.
“Even a 17-month gap, (the shortest estimate for a potential data gap) dramatically affects weather forecast ability, which could lead to challenges to protecting life and property,” Shepherd said.
