Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer

MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard the Terra (originally known as EOS AM-1) and Aqua (originally known as EOS PM-1) satellites. Terra's orbit around the Earth is timed so that it passes from north to south across the equator in the morning, while Aqua passes south to north over the equator in the afternoon. Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS are viewing the entire Earth's surface every 1 to 2 days, acquiring data in 36 spectral bands, or groups of wavelengths (see MODIS Technical Specifications). These data will improve our understanding of global dynamics and processes occurring on the land, in the oceans, and in the lower atmosphere. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of validated, global, interactive Earth system models able to predict global change accurately enough to assist policy makers in making sound decisions concerning the protection of our environment.

MODIS（或称中分辨率成像光谱辐射计）是搭载在Terra（最初被称为EOS AM-1）和Aqua（最初被称为EOS PM-1）卫星上的关键仪器。Terra绕地球的轨道设计使其在清晨从北至南穿越赤道，而Aqua则于午后从南至北穿越赤道。Terra MODIS与Aqua MODIS每隔1至2天对整个地球表面进行观测，采集36个光谱波段或波长组的数据（详见MODIS技术规格）。这些数据将有助于我们深化对全球动力学以及陆地、海洋和低层大气中发生的过程的理解。MODIS在构建经过验证的、全球性的、交互式地球系统模型中发挥着至关重要的作用，这些模型能够精确预测全球变化，为政策制定者提供有关环境保护决策的明智支持。