NASA has recently launched a new instrument to track air pollution from space. This instrument, called TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution), is a powerful new tool in the fight against air pollution.
Air pollution is a major global problem that affects human health and the environment. It is caused by the release of harmful substances into the air from various sources, including industrial activities, transportation, and natural sources. Air pollution can cause a range of health problems, from respiratory illnesses to cancer, and can also harm the environment, including crops and wildlife.
TEMPO is designed to measure air pollution at a high resolution, covering the entire North American continent every hour. It will provide accurate and detailed information about the sources and movement of pollutants in the atmosphere. This information will be used by researchers, policymakers, and the public to make informed decisions about how to reduce air pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
The instrument is carried on a geostationary satellite, which means it will orbit the Earth at the same rate as the planet's rotation. This will enable TEMPO to constantly monitor the same area of the Earth's atmosphere, providing a continuous stream of data about air pollution levels. This data will be combined with ground-based measurements and computer models to create a comprehensive picture of air pollution across North America.
TEMPO will measure a range of pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and aerosols. These pollutants are all harmful to human health and the environment, and are major contributors to air pollution. By tracking these pollutants, TEMPO will help researchers and policymakers to better understand the sources and movement of air pollution, and to develop strategies to reduce its impact.
One of the key advantages of TEMPO is its high resolution. It will be able to detect air pollution at a level of detail that has not been possible before. This means that it will be possible to identify specific sources of pollution, such as individual factories or highways, and to track the movement of pollutants across large areas. This information will be invaluable for researchers and policymakers who are working to reduce air pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
Another advantage of TEMPO is its ability to operate continuously. Unlike ground-based monitoring stations, which are limited in their coverage and can only provide data for specific locations, TEMPO will provide a constant stream of data about air pollution levels across the entire North American continent. This will enable researchers and policymakers to track changes in air pollution over time, and to identify trends and patterns that can inform policy decisions.
TEMPO is just one of many tools that NASA is using to study air pollution and its impact on the environment. Other NASA missions include the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS), which measures ozone levels in the Earth's atmosphere, and the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2), which measures carbon dioxide levels.
NASA's work in this area is crucial, as air pollution is a major global problem that affects the health and wellbeing of millions of people. By providing accurate and detailed information about air pollution levels, TEMPO and other NASA instruments can help to inform policy decisions and reduce the impact of air pollution on human health and the environment.
In conclusion, TEMPO is a powerful new instrument that will revolutionize the way we track air pollution from space. Its high resolution and continuous operation will provide accurate and detailed information about air pollution levels across the entire North American continent. This information will be invaluable for researchers, policymakers, and the public in the fight against air pollution and its impact on human health and the environment. NASA's work in this area is crucial, and TEMPO is just one example of the innovative tools and techniques that NASA is using to tackle this global problem.
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