Irene's Eye (IMAGE) European Space Agency Caption This animation, comprised of two images taken simultaneously at 11:15 local time (15:15 GMT) on Aug. 27, 2011, with different Envisat sensors, shows Hurricane Irene, which struck the US east coast at the end of August. The first black and white radar image provides an unusual view of a hurricane as it shows the rough ocean surface through the clouds. In the centre of the image, a dark spot can be seen where the eye of the hurricane passed over North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This area of serene weather at the center of the hurricane was visible to the radar because calm water provided a smooth surface, appearing darker. The second image is from Envisat’s MERIS instrument and shows the typical spiral cloud pattern of the hurricane. Credit ESA Usage Restrictions For non-commercial use only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.