At the time this image was acquired on December 10, 2002, Super Typhoon Pongsona was descending from its peak strength—Category 4— with winds of 120 knots (1 knot = 1.15 mph) to Category 3, with winds around 100 knots. Pongsona had moved northeast, out into the open Pacific.

Pongsona had dissipated four times before reaching Typhoon level, and gained a level approximately every day, up to Category 4. However, the descent was quicker. By late on the 9th, Pongsona began losing power, and by the 11th had dropped to the lowest level, Category 1, with winds of 75 knots. After this, it dissipated for good. Date 10 December 2002 Source http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_rec.php?id=4762 Author Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC Permission
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