The Satellite Book Club Seminar Series: Celebrating 200 Sessions and a Look Ahead

The GOES-R Program’s Total Operational Weather Readiness - Satellites (TOWR-S) team embedded within the NWS Office of Observations conducts a weekly “Satellite Book Club” (SBC) seminar series that started in May of 2020. The SBC brings together NESDIS staff, collaborating scientists and forecasters to discuss satellite imagery applications, challenges, and new innovations. The presentations highlight the role of satellite data in the NWS forecast process, providing a forum to discuss case studies, programmatic initiatives, and/or unmet needs so that the effectiveness of satellite data can be maximized in operations. The recorded presentations are archived in the Department of Commerce Learning Center, where they have become a popular educational resource. The 200th weekly session took place on Aug 1st, 2024, with a case study of a severe thunderstorm impacting the NWS Midland/Odessa, TX County Warning Area. During the 200 sessions and beyond, volunteer presenters and facilitators sharing their operational, research, and/or management/programmatic perspectives have contributed to its success. A summary of SBC topics and themes will be presented as well as planned future directions, along with a glimpse of the celebratory 200th session.