How NASA's Aqua satellite has been tracking Earth's climate for two decades

For twenty years, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) aboard NASA's Aqua satellite has provided critical data on our atmosphere. This video explores how its infrared technology creates 3D maps of our planet to improve weather forecasting and deepen our understanding of long-term climate change.

Launched on May 4, 2002, the AIRS instrument captures global data by scanning the infrared spectrum. This technology allows scientists to map air and surface temperatures, water vapor, and cloud properties in three dimensions. By detecting specific greenhouse gases like ozone and carbon dioxide, AIRS creates a detailed 'fingerprint' of the atmosphere at any given time and location.

The primary value of this orbital instrument lies in its ability to provide rapid, consistent global coverage. With two decades of accumulated data, researchers now possess a robust record that supports ongoing climate change studies and helps refine the accuracy of modern weather predictions for future generations.

Source: AIRS: NASA Advances Our Understanding of Earth’s Climate