Below are two versions of the current weather satellite photograph from Environment Canada.  The Photo on the right uses shows visible.  That is to say the photo looks that same as it would if we were actually up in the satellite.  The photo on the left is an infrared photo.

       Because we are not able to see infrared we must substitute other colours for it on the photo.  The legend at the bottom of the photo shows you the relationship between colour and temperature.  Keep in mind that the satellite is gathering information from clouds rather than the surface of the earth.  Notice as well that the weather patterns are more easily distinguished on the infrared photo.  This assists greatly in weather forecasting.
 

For the current infrared image click here  (this site is animated so you can look at a series of photos over time)

For the current visible light image click here  (this site is animated so you can look at a series of photos over time)

        For more satellite photos and information on weather forecasting, and the current weather forecast visit the Environment Canada Weather Office.

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