Why Measure Rain and Snow?

Rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation affect every part of life on Earth. Rain falls on the crops we eat, fills the reservoirs of water we drink, and is an integral part of everyday weather and long term climate trends. This website, presented by NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, provides students and educators with resources to learn about Earth’s water cycle, weather and climate, and the technology and societal applications of studying them.

New to the site? Click here for a quick video tour. 

Global Precipitation Measurement

GPM 10 Year Anniversary Logo - 2014 - 2024

GPM is an international satellite mission that uses multiple satellites orbiting Earth to collect rain, snow and other precipitation data worldwide every three hours. On February 27th, 2014, NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched a Core Observatory satellite carrying advanced instruments that improve our precipitation-measuring capabilities and bring all the data from the partner satellites into a unified global dataset. 

Precipitation Education

Website Highlights

GLOBE Logo

GPM has partnered with the GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment), an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. 

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"Survivor Earth" Lesson Plan Series

Are you running a camp program this summer and would like some ideas?  GPM has developed a series of 10 original hands on STEM-related activities that are ready to go!

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Faces of GPM

Learn about the exciting and diverse team that works with the GPM mission. Watch interviews with scientists and engineers to get a face-to-face perspective on careers in science and technology.

GPM Original Resources

This is a collection of all the original videos, articles, lesson plans,  and other educational resources that have been developed by the GPM staff.