NASA
A small NASA satellite was launched on Saturday from New Zealand with an important mission: to improve predictions about climate change. This satellite will measure heat escaping from Earth’s poles for the first time.
New Data for Better Climate Models
Karen St. Germain, NASA’s Earth sciences research director, explained the significance of this mission at a news conference. “This new information – and we’ve never had it before – will improve our ability to model what’s happening in the poles, what’s happening in climate,” she said.
The Satellite and Its Mission
The satellite, about the size of a shoebox, was launched by an Electron rocket built by Rocket Lab. The mission, called PREFIRE, aims to gather infrared measurements from high above the Arctic and Antarctic. This data will help scientists measure the heat that the poles release into space.
Importance of Polar Heat Measurement
Tristan L’Ecuyer, a mission researcher from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, highlighted the importance of this mission. He explained that the process of transferring heat from tropical regions to the polar regions drives all the weather patterns on our planet. By understanding how clouds, humidity, and the melting of ice into water affect heat loss from the poles, scientists can improve their climate models.
Real Observations vs. Theoretical Models
Until now, climate change models were based largely on theories rather than real observations. L’Ecuyer pointed out that PREFIRE will provide valuable data that can be used to refine these models, leading to more accurate predictions of our climate.
Cost-effective and Specialized Satellites
NASA’s Small satellites like this one are low-cost specialists designed to answer very specific scientific questions. St. Germain emphasized the value of these small, specialized missions in advancing our understanding of Earth’s climate.
Conclusion
The launch of the PREFIRE satellite marks a significant step forward in climate science. By providing real data on heat loss from Earth’s poles, this mission will help improve climate models and our understanding of global weather patterns. This innovative approach showcases how small, cost-effective satellites can make a big impact on our knowledge of climate change.
