TEMPO, a groundbreaking satellite by NASA, is transforming our understanding of atmospheric pollutants through its unparalleled monitoring capabilities.
- An Unprecedented Monitoring System: Unlike traditional satellites, TEMPO offers hourly updates on atmospheric contaminants, offering a dynamic snapshot of air quality.
- Expansive Reach: From the Yucatán Peninsula to Canada’s oil sands and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, TEMPO’s broad coverage extends across North America.
- Ensuring Data Accuracy: To ensure fidelity, NASA researchers are juxtaposing TEMPO’s data with airborne measurements.
- Exceptional Functionality and Dependability: NASA has affirmed the outstanding performance of TEMPO through rigorous testing since its launch in August 2023.
- TEMPO’s data will be shared with organizations like NOAA and EPA to improve air quality forecasting.
- Public Access to Data: Validated data from TEMPO is expected to be released to the public in April, with over 500 early adopters already having access.
- Strengthening International Cooperation: TEMPO is part of a collaboration with South Korea’s GEMS and the European Space Agency for comprehensive air pollution monitoring in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Aspiring for Extended Operational Life: Despite being designed for a 20-month operation, there are hopes for TEMPO’s functionality to last for 10-15 years.
- Laying Groundwork for Future Endeavors: The success of TEMPO is paving the way for NOAA’s forthcoming Atmospheric Composition Instrument, an advanced version projected for a mid-2030s launch.
A Collaborative Project For Air Quality Monitoring
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has teamed up with NASA, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Together, they’re working on a project that uses satellites to study air quality across North America.
TEMPO Satellite launched in 2022: In 2022, a new satellite tool named the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) was launched. This instrument is floating in a geostationary orbit, approximately 22,000 miles from the Earth’s equator. During daylight hours, it will keep a close watch on our air quality.
How Can Weather Impact Our Air Quality?
- Impact of Sunshine on Air Quality: Sunshine can lead to the creation of smog. This happens because the sun’s rays trigger chemical reactions in certain pollutants.
- The Role of Higher Temperatures in Air Quality: When the air temperature rises, chemical reactions in the air speed up. This can make the air quality worse.
- Rain’s Effect on Reducing Pollution: Rain tends to reduce pollution levels. It washes away small particles in the air. Plus, it can dissolve some pollutants and wash them out of the air.