How NASA uses invisible light to monitor our planet's health
In short: Human eyes perceive only a tiny fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum. By building instruments that detect light we cannot see, NASA scientists can measure the chemistry and moisture of our world from orbit, revealing secrets hidden from the naked eye.
NASA utilizes remote sensing instruments to observe Earth and other planets. These tools are designed to detect specific types of light that are invisible to humans, allowing scientists to measure critical environmental data such as moisture levels and chemical compositions. This technology enables a deeper understanding of planetary systems that would otherwise remain hidden. To capture clear images of underwater environments, such as coral reefs, NASA employs specialized "fluid lens" cameras. Optical engineer Mark Helmlinger specifically designs and travels with these remote sensing tools. His work demonstrates how different light types help us interpret our planet's physical state. These instruments allow for observations from diverse locations, including the microgravity environment of the International Space Station.
These are engineered to eliminate the visual distortion typically caused by moving water. By using these advanced optical techniques, researchers can gather high-quality 3D images of marine life, which are then used to train supercomputers at the Ames Research Center to classify coral automatically. The NeMO-Net app allows people to participate in this mapping process from their mobile devices. This crowdsourced effort helps the supercomputer learn to identify coral on its own. Users can also use stackable blocks to recreate 3D models of specific weather events.
This work highlights a core principle of NASA's mission: the study of space and aeronautics is inextricably linked to understanding our own environment. By analyzing data from satellites like the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory, which tracks precipitation, NASA provides the data necessary to protect our land, air, water, and ice. This interconnected science allows for a comprehensive view of how Earth's systems function as a whole. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite specifically gathers data on rainfall patterns. This information is used to study the impact of events like Hurricane Irma. NASA also provides these educational resources in Spanish through the Ciencia de la NASA platform.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: #EarthDayAtHome with Optical Engineer Mark Helmlinger
- Also: #EarthDayAtHome with NASA - NASA Science
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