Is archived lightning data from the GOES-16 beta test available?

So, You Want to Get Your Hands on Old GOES-16 Lightning Data? Here’s the Lowdown.

Okay, so you’re curious about accessing lightning data from the early days of the GOES-16 satellite, huh? Specifically, the stuff from when they were still kicking the tires and figuring things out – the beta test. Launched back in November 2016, GOES-16 was a game-changer, packing the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) which could spot lightning both in the clouds and striking the ground. Pretty neat piece of tech! After a good bit of tweaking, the GLM started doing its thing in March 2017.

Now, the big question: can you actually get that old beta data?

The short answer is yes! You absolutely can. Think of it like this: NOAA’s Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) was busy making this data, and they stashed it away safely at the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). It’s like a digital time capsule of early lightning observations.

So, how do you crack open that time capsule? Well, you’ve got a few options:

• NCEI’s Archive: This is your direct line to the source. They’ve got a system where you can search and order data. Think of it as browsing a library, but instead of books, you’re looking for lightning strikes.
• NOAA CLASS: Another avenue to explore. It’s a bit of a mouthful (Comprehensive Large Array-Data Stewardship System), but it gets the job done. You can even snag near real-time data subscriptions if you’re into that sort of thing.
• The Cloud (Google, Amazon, Microsoft): Yep, even lightning data lives in the cloud these days! Google Cloud Storage Buckets, Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 Buckets, and Microsoft’s Planetary Computer all have GOES-16 data, including the GLM goodies. It’s like having a global data buffet at your fingertips.

Now, a word of caution before you dive in headfirst. Not all data is created equal. Remember those “maturity levels” I mentioned? Here’s the breakdown:

• Beta: This is the raw, unbaked stuff. It’s preliminary, non-operational, and still being poked and prodded. Think of it as a rough draft – it might have errors, so take it with a grain of salt. The GLM hit beta maturity on July 5, 2017.
• Provisional: A step up from beta. It’s been tested and validated a bit more, but there might still be some quirks lurking. The GLM made it to provisional status on January 19, 2018.
• Full Validation: The real deal! This is the operational, fully vetted data. All known issues have been squashed (or at least documented). The GLM reached full validation on November 8, 2018.

So, when you’re digging through the archives, pay attention to those maturity levels. If you’re using beta data, just remember it’s like using a map that’s still being drawn – it might not be perfect.

One last thing: back in the beta days, NOAA asked folks who shared the data to include a disclaimer. Something along the lines of “Hey, this is preliminary data, so don’t blame us if it’s a little wonky.” Also, keep in mind that you’re using this data at your own risk. NOAA isn’t making any promises about its accuracy.

Finally, a little tech detail: GLM data files are in netCDF-4 format, but the CCSDS packets are stored in a byte array. What does that mean? Basically, you might need some specialized software to read the data properly.

So there you have it! Archived GOES-16 GLM data is out there, waiting to be explored. Just remember to be aware of the data’s maturity level and any disclaimers. Happy lightning hunting!