The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) employs a variety of outreach and education strategies and recently evolved from basic print materials to the use of Facebook and Twitter.

Many people access the NESDIS web sites in search of specific environmental science and system information. To make that search quick and timely, we have expanded to new creative techniques and applications. With the rise in popularity of social media, NESDIS understands how these sites can increase the visibility and visitation rates of NOAA official government websites. To communicate in real-time and have data and information readily accessible to thousands is critical. Most importantly, these tools provide a new venue for education on NESDIS satellites; their related products (e.g. satellite imagery, hazard products, and direct services), and subsequent research. These Department of Commerce approved social networking technologies provide a means to highlight the importance of geostationary and polar satellite products to the National Weather Service (NWS), NOAA , Federal government, private agencies, national and international organizations, and others who rely on NOAA satellite data.

For citizen science, research, and projects for the classroom and beyond, social media provides an endless and exponential opportunity to keep abreast of NOAA science, technology, and systems. You are invited to come, see, and hear what we have done and share your opportunities, as well. To learn more about NOAA NESDIS, visit http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/, or follow NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations on Twitter, and NOAA Satellite and Information Service on Facebook.