ASK Space

SPACE EXPLORATION

Why are space-based Earth observations so important?

Satellites can trace the transport and transformation of atmospheric gases like ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen and even some organic compounds. Some of these gases can also be seen day and night. We use these gases to study how emissions from cars, industry, trees and fires all mix and change as they travel across the globe.

Studying atmospheric chemistry from the ground is like if you are trying to make a map but you can only walk over a few square kilometres and look around. If you get in a hot-air balloon, helicopter or aeroplane, you see the connections and context. It’s like that for us, except with something that is evolving and changing.

Weather satellites were a huge transformation, especially for things like storms that have huge impacts on people. Now we can see hurricanes and typhoons in advance, and all of the data from these satellites has been important in the improvement of weather forecasts.

We also have new techniques to use from space.