Now satellites are 1 to forecast (预报) the weather. They are in space, and they can 2 any part of the world. The satellites take pictures of the atmosphere(大气) , 3 this is where the weather forms(形成). They send these 4 to the weather stations. So meteorologists(气象学家) can see the weather of any part of the world. From the pictures , the scientists can often say 5 the weather will change. Today, nearly five hundred weather stations in sixty countries receive satellite pictures. When they receive new pictures, the meteorologists compare them with earlier 6 . Perhaps they may find that the clouds have changed during the last few hours. This may mean that the 7 on the ground may soon change, too . In their next weather forecast , the meteorologists can say this. So theweather satellites are a great 8 to the meteorologists. 9 satellites were invented, the scientists could forecast the weather for about 24 or 48 hours. Now they can make good forecasts for three or fivedays. Soon , perhaps , they may 10 forecast the weather for a week or more ahead(提前) .
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