Technology Teacher: Keeping Nine Eyes on the Weather

This article discusses how the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument found on the Terra satellite is used to understand how particles in the atmosphere interact with sunlight and how particle pollution affects Earth's climate. Directions for building a demonstration model of MISR out of cardboard tubes is included, along with short activities to show how it's multiple viewing angles allow MISR to differentiate the kinds of particles in the air because they scatter light differently, depending on their size, shape, and composition.

Keywords: Climate change; Radiometer; Aerosols; Particulates; Reflection; Absorption

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Source

NASA JPLLast modified 2001

Audience

Education Level: Middle school

Topics

Earth and space science:Earth processes:Climate Earth and space science:Earth processes:Weather Engineering and technology:Aircraft, probes, satellites and/or spacecraft Engineering and technology:Remote sensing

Resource Type

Activity, Article

Learning Time

1 to 2 hours