On September 20th, 2024, the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite captured an extraordinary image of the Moon as part of its calibration process. Although Sentinel-2C primarily focuses on Earth observation, this rare lunar snapshot highlights the satellite’s impressive imaging capabilities. Initially distorted, the image underwent correction, revealing the Moon's distinctive features in stunning detail.
Launched on September 5th, 2024, Sentinel-2C is part of the European Union's Copernicus Programme - an extensive network of Earth-observing satellites designed to monitor the environment, land use, and coastal waters. However, once a month, Sentinel-2C shifts its focus from Earth to the Moon for a "Moon calibration" procedure. This routine calibration is critical for ensuring the radiometric accuracy of the satellite's instruments. The Moon’s stable and predictable light serves as an excellent reference target, helping the satellite detect and correct any slight performance variations, such as sensor shifts due to aging components or optical changes.
Orbiting Earth at an altitude of 786 km, Sentinel-2C primarily uses its advanced multispectral imager to capture high-resolution images of landscapes, forests, agriculture, and coastal waters. However, these monthly Moon calibration images play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term reliability of the satellite's data. By using the Moon’s stable light as a reference, even the smallest changes in sensor performance can be detected and corrected, safeguarding the accuracy of Earth observation data.