How NASA Takes Earth’s Temperature
The Goddard Spaceflight Center is NASA’s research center for studying climate change. There, scientists like Dr. James Hansen, use computer models to learn about how Earth’s complex system is changing over time.
The upcoming Glory mission will help NASA fill in more missing pieces of the climate puzzle. The mission, which is slated to begin in February — after being postponed this month — will gather data on solar irradiance and atmospheric aerosols to help clarify our understanding of Earth’s energy balance.
Aerosols are tiny particles in the air. Even if the air looks clear, it’s nearly certain that you’ll inhale tens of millions of solid particles and liquid droplets with every breath. Scientists want to learn more about the little specks and how they have an impact on our changing climate.
Solar irradiance refers to the amount and intensity of the radiation from the sun that reaches Earth. Scientists are hoping to better understand how the amount of sunlight that bounces off of or is absorbed by Earth affects the overall complex climate system.
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