Ever wonder what those things floating way up in space actually do for us?
Turns out, satellites are working behind the scenes in almost everything we do! Here are 10 surprising ways they make our daily lives easier.
1. Your Breakfast Cereal
Farmers rely on satellite images to know exactly when to water their crops and when to harvest wheat. So those corn flakes in your bowl? Satellites were watching over them as they grew!
2. Watching Sports on TV
The game footage travels from the arena to your television through satellite signals. Without satellites orbiting above, you wouldn’t be able to watch your favorite team score that winning goal from your couch!
3. Staying in Touch from Remote Areas
When you’re deep in the wilderness where regular phones don’t work, satellite phones let you call home. Perfect for letting your family know you’re safe during that camping trip!
4. Sharing Photos Online
Canada has over 525,000 satellite internet connections. When you post that sunset photo or funny video, it might zoom through space before your friends see it!
5. Using Your Bank Card
When you tap or swipe your card to pay, satellites help connect the store to your bank. That’s how the money moves from your account instantly – all thanks to space technology!
6. Checking Tomorrow’s Weather
Satellites gather massive amounts of information about temperature, rain, clouds, and wind. Weather forecasters use this data to predict if you’ll need an umbrella or sunscreen tomorrow.
7. Tracking Flights
Airplanes send signals to satellites to share their exact location in the sky. This keeps flights safe and helps you know when to pick up your friend from the airport.
8. Keeping Roads and Bridges Safe
Engineers use satellites to watch for any movement in the ground and check if roads and bridges are structurally sound. They’re literally making sure the bridge doesn’t collapse while you’re driving over it!
9. Studying Our Atmosphere
Satellites provide a bird’s-eye view of Earth and its atmosphere, with Canadian satellite SCISAT collecting data on more than 40 different atmospheric gases. Scientists and students worldwide use this free information to understand our planet better.
10. Finding Your Way Around
GPS satellites positioned about 20,000 kilometers above Earth can pinpoint exactly where you are. Whether you’re finding that new restaurant or navigating a road trip, satellites are your guide in the sky!
Source: This information comes from the Canadian Space Agency. You can read the original article at: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/everyday-lives/10-ways-that-satellites-helped.asp
