Mapping Rain & Snow: How the Global Precipitation Measurement Satellite Works (Infographic)

The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite explained. — The GPM Core Observatory scans the weather with microwaves and two bands of radar. (Image credit: By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory (GPM) surveys Earth’s weather from 65 degrees north to 65 degrees south latitude. GPM works along with a constellation of other satellites to provide worldwide coverage.

As it orbits, GPM scans the Earth’s atmosphere with its Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar. The radar scans in two frequencies, the Ku scan (13.6 gigahertz) and the Ka scan (35.5 gigahertz).

Karl's association with Space.com goes back to 2000, when he was hired to produce interactive Flash graphics. From 2010 to 2016, Karl worked as an infographics specialist across all editorial properties of Purch (formerly known as TechMediaNetwork). Before joining Space.com, Karl spent 11 years at the New York headquarters of The Associated Press, creating news graphics for use around the world in newspapers and on the web. He has a degree in graphic design from Louisiana State University and now works as a freelance graphic designer in New York City.