Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric Sciences is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the atmospheres of the Earth and other planets.

Research:

• Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes Research
• Climate & Radiation Research
• Atmospheric Chemistry & Dynamics Research
• Wallops Flight Facility

NPP (National Polar-orbiting Partnership)

Launched October 28, 2011

Over the last decade NASA launched a series of satellites that offer an unparalleled view of Earth from space. That series, known collectively as NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), has provided striking new insights into many aspects of Earth, including its clouds, oceans, vegetation, ice, and atmosphere. However, as the EOS satellites age, a new generation of Earth-observing satellites are poised to take over.

The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) represents a critical first step in building this next-generation satellite system. Goddard Space Flight Center is leading NASA's effort to launch a satellite that will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this next-generation system, previously called the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and now the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).

NPP will orbit the Earth about 14 times each day and observe nearly the entire surface. The NPP satellite continues key data records that are critical for climate change science.

• Go to NPP Mission page

DISCOVER AQ

The mission—Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertical Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ)—is a campaign designed to increase our understanding of atmospheric composition and near-surface pollution. Scientists will use information collected during the DISCOVER-AQ campaign to improve measurements from existing satellites and to help establish parameters for future NASA satellite missions that will monitor global air quality.

• Go to DISCOVER AQ mission page
• Go to DISCOVER AQ science page
• View article in Earth Observer

ESDEPO

The Committee for Education & Public Outreach

View upcoming and archived colloquium information in the Calendar section of this website, under the "Education & Public Outreach" heading.

Atmospheres Brochure

The progress of science depends critically on communications. So does the health and vitality of a science organization. This brochure conveys a number of messages, but its main objective is to spread the word about Atmospheric Sciences.

Our Brochure

Contact Us

Questions or Comments

General inquiries about the scientific programs at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center may be directed to the Center Public Affairs office at 1.301.286.8955
> PAO's Questions and Comments Page

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Lecture Series