How often are the hotspot/fire data acquired what is the temporal resolution?
The MODIS instruments on board the Terra and Aqua EOS satellites acquire data continuously providing global coverage every 1-2 days. As polar-orbiting spacecraft, Terra and Aqua are synchronized with the sun, in order to pass over the same area at the same time every day. Terra’s descending orbit (N-S) will cross the equator at 10:30 a.m. local time during each orbit—hence the original term “AM.” in its formal name (EOS AM-1). Clouds typically form over tropical land in the afternoon as the surface warms, creating updrafts; hence, Terra’s morning view will provide clearer images of the Earth’s lands. The satellite will orbit the Earth once every 99 minutes at an inclination of 98 degrees relative to the equator, at a mean altitude of 438 nautical miles (705 kilometers). Aqua (EOS PM-1) flies with similar characteristics, but with a “PM” equatorial crossing time in an ascending orbit with a 1:30 p.m. equatorial crossing time, thus complementing and extending the temporal resolution of t
