Satellite Takes Last Image of Earth

GOES-11 last full light, full disk image of Earth. CREDIT: NOAA View full size image

From NOAA Environmental Visualizaiton Laboratory:

The last full light, full disk visible image taken by GOES-11 while designated as the NOAA operational GOES-West satellite is shown here, taken on December 5, 2011 at 2100z. On December 6, 2011 GOES-15 will replace GOES-11 as GOES-West.

GOES-11 has served as the eye in the sky over the Pacific and Western U.S. since 2006, keeping a close watch on Pacific hurricanes, volcanoes along the “Ring of Fire,” some of the worst wildfires in California history, rain-packing atmospheric rivers. The search and rescue transponder capabilities have also helped save hundreds of lives, from lost hikers to sinking sailboats.