Unveiling the “Eye of the Sky”: Tracking Climate Changes with Satellite Technology

Esteban Amaro, the head of the Climate Change and Sargassum Roundtable of Quintana Roo, has underscored the significance of the "Eye of the Sky" project. This initiative aims to provide insights into climate changes impacting the region, using cutting-edge satellite technology. The "Eye of the Sky" is a metaphor for the satellites that incessantly observe the Earth, studying phenomena such as temperature increases, hurricanes, beach erosion, sargassum, and even marine mammal behavior.

This surveillance system relies on images supplied by the Sentinel satellites of the European Space Agency and the Copernicus constellation, in conjunction with NASA’s Page system. These platforms enable the acquisition of detailed, real-time data on the Mexican Caribbean and a portion of the Atlantic Ocean. This technology allows for the prediction of sargassum arrival from the African coasts, facilitating the planning of preventive measures to lessen its impact.

The "Kinich Khan" system, translated as "Eye of the Sky," was created by a team of experts five years ago to precisely track environmental changes in Quintana Roo. This project was initiated in response to the escalating sargassum issue, which started impacting the region's coasts over ten years ago. "We recognized the need for tools to monitor our beaches and beyond, leading to the creation of this local project," Amaro noted.

This groundbreaking system will supply invaluable data for planning both tourist activities and preventive strategies against natural disasters. "Quintana Roo is entirely a tourist state, and sargassum impacts us in numerous ways. Having access to information about its arrival and quantity allows us to better prepare, such as by erecting barriers or hiring additional staff to clean the beaches," Amaro emphasized.

Moreover, "Kinich Khan" monitors not only sargassum but also other crucial ecosystem elements like mangroves, hurricanes, and sea levels. The system will generate regular bulletins accessible to the public via digital platforms. A website will be launched soon, featuring constant updates of images and weather forecasts.

In a Radio Fórmula interview, Amaro announced that the portal would be available within a week and would serve as a useful tool for anyone interested in the region's climate and ecosystem status. This technological advancement will benefit not only climate change experts but also anyone wishing to understand more about the state's environmental situation and be prepared for any eventuality.