Space research centre in Oxfordshire encourages people to get involved with a citizen science project
It will help contribute to vital climate research
Space enthusiasts and families across the UK will have the chance to contribute directly to climate science through an upgraded cloud-spotting project.
RAL Space, based at Harwell in Oxfordshire, say it’s “essential for gathering accurate climate data from space”.
CloudCatcher is a citizen science initiative developed by scientists at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space, invites the public to help validate cloud detection tools used in satellite imagery.
Dr Caroline Cox, Research Scientist at RAL Space and leader of the CloudCatcher project, said:
“Our satellite instruments capture stunning views of Earth from space, but we need human eyes to help us accurately identify which areas contain clouds and which don't. This might improve how we design cloud masks in the future.
“Every classification you make helps verify our current systems, supporting scientists around the world who depend on this information. The beauty of CloudCatcher is that everyone can participate – no special knowledge required, just your natural ability to spot patterns and differences in these remarkable images of our planet.
“It’s science made simple, meaningful, and we hope as fascinating for you as it is for us when we look at these incredible views from space."
The satellite images used in CloudCatcher are taken from the Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer.
This is an instrument that flies on the Sentinel-3 family of satellites
The project builds on a successful prototype launched in 2020, which demonstrated that citizen scientists could effectively identify clouds in satellite images.
The new CloudCatcher offers improved features that enable participants to spot thinner cloud and confirm that images already labelled as clear-sky are indeed truly clear with the aid of false-colour imagery.
The space research centre say, “clouds must be considered when scientists measure Earth's surface temperature from space. When satellite instruments take measurements, clouds must be correctly identified to ensure accurate surface data is collected.”
They also say that no special equipment is needed, and tutorials provide the training, making it suitable for the general public, families, and even schools to get involved.