WATCH: Local scientists track Oz cyclone

The University of Leicester have released satellite images of cyclone Yasi from space using a brand new system.

Earth observation scientists at the University of Leicester have recorded images of tropical cyclone Yasi by orbiting satellites.

Japanese Meteorological Agency and European Space Agency satellite instruments have been observing the intense storm over Australia from their vantage points in space.

University of Leicester scientists have used two instruments,which have enabled the them to follow the progress of the storm as it headed towards and then struck the Australian coast.  They have provided unique views from space of a storm system which is larger than the UK.

The images, showing the coldest clouds as white, reveal the extent of swirling white cloud and the deep eye of the storm which is clearly visible just off the coast of Northern Australia. The film below shows the rapid approach of the storm and the real strengthening of the cyclone as it nears the coast.

Dr David Moore from the University’s Space Research Centre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy said "What these images reveal is the sheer scale of tropical cyclone Yasi. This particular storm system has intensified over the past several days into a system larger than the UK. Indeed, the size of the storm’s eye is itself larger than the Isle of Anglesey!"

(Taken by MTSAT on February 2nd, 2pm. Credit: MTSAT (Japanese Meteorological Agency), image produced by University of Leicester.)