Forbes magazine had an interesting video this week highlighting the history of viewing Earth from space, starting with rocket-based photography in 1946 and continuing through satellites to human space flight to planetary explorers. My major professor as a Master of Science student was Dr. Vernor Suomi, the “father” of satellite meteorology, who recognized the importance of viewing Earth from space for weather observing and forecasting shortly after Sputnik was launched by the USSR in the early 1960’s. Today we can see hurricanes far from land and watch the development of squall lines and other severe weather using sophisticated instruments carried on satellites and really take it for granted.
You can view the video and see still photos from historical observations at https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2016/08/22/viewing-the-earth-from-space-celebrates-70-years/#30fff1d77e88.
