NASA's PACE satellite will now accurately
detect nitrogen dioxide pollution
¨ Recent findings reveal
that NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite can
now detect nitrogen dioxide pollution at a highly refined scale.
¨ This advancement enables
scientists to pinpoint emissions from individual factories and major highway
corridors, marking a significant leap in air quality monitoring and
environmental research.
PACE Satellite Mission
¨ The Plankton, Aerosol,
Cloud, and Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a satellite programme developed by
NASA to study ocean biology, atmospheric aerosols, and cloud dynamics.
¨
It was launched in
February 2024 into a Sun-synchronous orbit, allowing consistent global
observations under similar lighting conditions. The satellite provides
hyperspectral coverage of the Earth every one to two days, offering
unprecedented detail.
Key Instruments and Technology
¨ PACE is equipped with the
Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), an advanced optical spectrometer that measures
ocean colour across a wide spectrum ranging from ultraviolet to shortwave
infrared.
¨
This enables precise
tracking of oceanic biological activity and extends long-term climate data
records.
