
Credit: NOAA/JPL-Caltech
In June 2024, the United States launched its latest weather satellite called GOES-U (GOES is short for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite). GOES-U will be the fourth and final satellite in the GOES-R group of satellites. From its orbit 22,000 miles above us, GOES-U keeps an eye on the weather and environmental conditions here on Earth.
Here is a list of just some of the things this weather satellite monitors:
- Severe weather, such as storms and lightning
- Environmental hazards, such as wildfires
- Ocean conditions that could contribute to hurricanes
- Weather from the sun, called space weather
GOES-U Art Challenge
Have you ever watched a lightning storm from your window at home? Did you know that scientists can use weather satellites to watch lightning from above, too?
In anticipation of the GOES-U launch, kids around the world created art to show what they thought lightning looks like from the ground, the sky, or even from a satellite! See some selections from the art challenge below.
GOES-U Art Challenge Selections
Draw how you imagine lightning to look!

Anna, 13

Archan, 9

Arsh, 10

Caden, 10

Elladya, 9

Evelyn, 11

Ishaan, 8

Jana, 10

Kingston, 9

Klaudia, 6

Leah, 11

Lilly, 10

Luna, 9

McKenzie, 10

Naisha, 7

Olimani, 12

Quinn, 10

Rupam, 11

Sharadha, 12

Sophia, 10

Taifur, 5

Varun, 10

Zeke, 7
How is GOES-U keeping an eye on space weather?
GOES-U Launch Bingo

Credit: NOAA/JPL-Caltech
For the launch of GOES-U, we created a launch bingo game. Here’s how to play:
- Download and print the GOES-U launch bingo cards at the links below.
- Watch the GOES-U launch broadcast video and mark off the words that you hear.
- When you get five words in a row, say “BINGO!”
Here are the links to download the bingo cards.
Download GOES-U Launch Bingo Card 1
Download GOES-U Launch Bingo Card 2
Download GOES-U Launch Bingo Card 3
What Does the Sun Look Like Up Close?

Credit: NOAA/JPL-Caltech
Want to use an interactive slider to see the sun in different wavelengths of light? Click here to check it out and learn more about these images, captured by the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) located on the GOES-R series weather satellites. What different features of the sun can you spot?
Additional resources:
To celebrate the successful launch of GOES-U, also check out our printable coloring sheets and activity book!