NASA recently launched a powerful new air quality monitoring satellite, the High-Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS), designed to monitor and measure the Earth’s atmosphere.
HIRDLS is an instrument on board the Aura satellite, which was launched on July 15th of this year. It measures gases, particles, and aerosols in the stratosphere, ultraviolet radiation, and the Earth’s temperature.
The satellite will be able to identify more than 30 different gases in the atmosphere, both on a global and regional scale. This includes important gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants which can significantly impact the climate. The ability to capture information on a regional level will allow for better insight into how air quality varies from one part of the world to another.
HIRDLS will also be able to measure the height of ozone layers in the atmosphere, allowing scientists to track the decline of ozone levels due to human-induced emissions. Ozone levels are a key factor for determining air quality and are known to be linked to health factors like respiratory diseases. HIRDLS is the only instrument that will be able to measure ozone from space.
HIRDLS has the capability to collect data every two seconds, making it one of the most powerful air quality monitoring satellites ever built. This data will not only be key for understanding the impacts of our changing atmosphere, but will also provide information for more accurate weather forecasts.
With HIRDLS’ launch, NASA’s commitment towards improving our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and environment is more evident than ever. As data is gathered and shared with the global scientific community, we will have unprecedented insight into our air quality and its effects on the planet.
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