Watch new NASA sensor measure US air pollution from space in real time (video)

The First Images from NASA’s New Air Pollution Sensor

The first images from NASA’s new spaceborne air pollution sensor reveal how levels of toxic pollutants change within a day across the United States.

Introduction

The images taken by the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution instrument, or TEMPO, show the daily evolution of nitrogen oxide concentrations in major North American cities including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Washington, and New Orleans. Nitrogen oxide is a toxic pollutant that comes from fossil fuel combustion. In high concentrations, the gas can harm the human respiratory tract and contribute to the development of asthma. Detailed understanding of how its concentrations vary over the course of a day and a year will help authorities to better inform the public so that people can better protect their health. Nitrogen oxide is, however, only one of many toxic pollutants that TEMPO can detect.

TEMPO’s Capabilities

“TEMPO is beginning to measure hourly daytime air pollution over greater North America,” Kelly Chance, a senior physicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (which cooperates on the mission with NASA) and TEMPO principal investigator, said in a statement. “It measures ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, aerosols, water vapor and several trace gases,” she added.

TEMPO’s Measurements

TEMPO, which is mounted on a commercial telecommunication satellite Intelsat 40e, made the measurements that form the basis of the released maps during its testing period between July 31 to Aug. 2.

This position enables TEMPO to make hourly measurements of air pollution levels across America from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coast, from as far south as Mexico City all the way up to central Canada.

TEMPO measures reflected sunlight scattered off Earth’s surface, clouds, and atmosphere. As different gases absorb different wavelengths of light, the resulting spectra (wavelength fingerprints of the measured light), correspond with the composition of the air and the concentrations of various chemical compounds present in it.

TEMPO’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – TEMPO’s detailed understanding of air pollution levels will help authorities inform the public and protect their health.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – TEMPO’s detection of toxic pollutants can contribute to efforts in reducing fossil fuel combustion and promoting clean energy sources.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – TEMPO’s measurements in major cities provide valuable data for urban planning and improving air quality in densely populated areas.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – TEMPO’s monitoring of trace gases and aerosols contributes to understanding climate change and its impacts on air quality.

Conclusion

The launch of TEMPO has provided scientists with real-time air pollution measurements over North America. This data will benefit neighborhoods and communities across the country for decades to come. NASA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to making it easier for everyday Americans and decision-makers to access and use TEMPO data to monitor and improve the quality of the air we breathe, benefiting life here on Earth.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Concentrations of nitrogen oxide and other toxic pollutants measured by TEMPO can be used to assess the level of air pollution and its impact on human health.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: TEMPO’s measurements of air pollution levels in major cities can provide data on the air quality and environmental impact of urban areas.
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: TEMPO’s ability to measure various trace gases and pollutants can contribute to understanding climate-related hazards and their impact on the environment.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: space.com

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