the Tanager Flexible Methane QuickLook and Tanager Assured Methane QuickLook products require specific, optimal lighting conditions to ensure the highest possible reliability and accuracy of the methane detection analysis. These products therefore have stricter capture criteria than standard Tanager imagery products.

To guarantee the reliability of the specialized methane data, our Methane QuickLook products have a maximum acceptable Solar Zenith Angle (SZA) limit.

• Standard Tanager Products: Max SZA is typically 80° (minimum 10° Sun Elevation).

• Tanager Methane QuickLook Products: The required limit is a Max SZA of 45° (a minimum 45° Sun Elevation).

Why the Restriction? The 45° SZA limit is strictly enforced because poor lighting conditions severely compromise the accuracy of the methane detection algorithms. Planet restricts captures in poor lighting so that customers only receive reliable, high-quality analysis.

Customers attempting to place an order may encounter system messages that reference both 25° and 45° Sun Elevation values, which has caused confusion.

• The 45° Sun Elevation (Max 45° SZA) is the official, required minimum threshold for successful methane detection capture.

• The system's current warning and rejection messages might reference a lower 25° Sun Elevation value. Planet is addressing this inconsistency so that all messages reflect the mandatory 45° Sun Elevation minimum.

Geographic and Seasonal Availability

This necessary 45° SZA restriction directly impacts where and when Methane QuickLook captures are possible:

• Seasonal Impact: During winter months (approximately November through February, in northern hemisphere), the Sun Elevation in many higher-latitude regions (such as much of Europe) consistently remains below the required 45°.

• Recommendation: Methane monitoring capabilities are seasonal in these regions. Plan your Methane QuickLook orders for periods when the sun angle is high: late spring, summer, and early fall.