Scientific Measurement

Sun Photometer for NASA’s CERES Program

NASA’s CERES Project (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System). Uses satellite data combined with terrestrial measurements to study the earth’s climate and the energy cycle. One of the measurement stations is the Chesapeake Lighthouse, in the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Located 70 feet above the ocean, a sun photometer is scanned across the ocean’s surface by a Model 20 gimbal with stepping motors. The only concession to the ocean environment is a white powder coat finish on the gimbal’s housings, which is now standard for all Sagebrush products.

(Photo Courtesy of NASA Langley Research Center)