NASA’s Space Pollution Monitor Reveals ‘Unhealthy’ Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide Above Houston and Other American Cities

NASA’s new pollution-monitoring instrument in space, called TEMPO, has generated its first data maps, providing insights into air quality above major U.S. cities. The instrument detected concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, a toxic gas produced by burning fossil fuels, above cities such as Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. during the daytime hours of August 2, 2023. Although the data paints a discouraging picture of pollution levels on Earth, NASA officials are encouraged by the capabilities of the new instrument.

TEMPO, which stands for Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution, is the first space-based instrument designed to continuously measure air quality above North America with high resolution. NASA released the first set of data maps produced by TEMPO last week. The instrument is currently being tested and calibrated, with plans to launch full operations in October. The data collected will be used to study the health impacts of pollutants and inform environmental policies.

Barry Lefer, a NASA program scientist, described the new tool as “really exciting” despite revealing unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide in major cities. Nitrogen dioxide is a byproduct of combustion and can contribute to the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter. Existing satellites have been able to measure air quality in the U.S., but TEMPO’s multiple daily measurements allow scientists to track spikes in gas levels and their movements.

Operating from 22,000 miles above the equator, TEMPO uses a spectrometer to detect pollution within sunlight. It measures sunlight that is reflected and scattered off the Earth’s atmosphere, clouds, and surface. The instrument cost approximately $90 million to build and was launched into orbit in April with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. In addition to nitrogen dioxide, TEMPO also measures aerosols, formaldehyde, ozone, water vapor, and trace gases.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the long-term benefits of TEMPO’s data, stating that neighborhoods and communities across the country will benefit for decades to come. The Biden-Harris administration and NASA are committed to making TEMPO data accessible to the public in real-time, allowing everyday Americans and decision-makers to monitor and improve the quality of the air they breathe.

The data from TEMPO will play a crucial role in understanding air pollution and its impact on human health. By continuously monitoring air quality, scientists and policymakers can develop strategies to reduce pollution and protect public health. While the initial data paints a concerning picture, the information provided by TEMPO will be instrumental in driving positive change and improving air quality for future generations.

Original Story at www.houstonpublicmedia.org – 2023-08-28 22:20:39