CLOUD IMAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A method of monitoring the distribution of cloud cover entails forming an image of the cloud by monitoring the reception of infra-red radiation over at least a part of the relevant hemisphere, interpreting the resulting image as an indication of cloud density and distribution, and repeating the exercise at frequent intervals. Apparatus for carrying out said method includes a wide-angle infra-red lens, for example lens unit (22) comprising lenses (10, 11 and 12), and means to interpret the image provided by the infra-red lens, for example an electronic unit (17) and an associated computer (18).