The Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE) was a NASA field investigation focused on ozone depletion in the Arctic and the formation of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). AASE conducted two deployments over the Arctic during the winter and spring of 1988 and 1991. NASA's DC-8 and ER-2 aircraft were equipped with remote sensing and in situ instruments to measure ozone levels and PSC properties. Complementary balloon measurements were also taken. AASE was funded by NASA's Upper Atmospheric Research Program.
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution spectrometer used both in airborne and ground-based applications. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to estimate levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution of approximately 100m by 1000m and operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz during typical research flights.
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in-situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, such as nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds found in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to get a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system developed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter and provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone detection and in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
Spectrometers are instruments used to separate and analyze the spectral components of a substance. They usually measure the electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected, absorbed, or transmitted by the physical sample. Spectrometers can operate across the ultraviolet to infrared spectrum. The most common types include optical, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometers. They can be used on aircraft, research vessels, vehicles, and other ground-based platforms.
The Lyman-alpha Hygrometer is an in situ hygrometer designed for deployment on airborne or ground-based platforms. It measures water vapor absorption at the Lyman-alpha wavelength (121.6 nm) of atomic hydrogen to determine the total water content in the atmosphere. It has a detection limit of 0.1 ppmv and a typical data acquisition rate of 1 second. The Lyman-alpha hygrometer provides water vapor measurements with an accuracy of 6% and a precision of 5%.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles > Water Vapor Mixing Ratio Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Total Precipitable Water
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
The LaRC Aerosol Lidar is an airborne dual-polarization lidar system operated by Langley Research Center (LaRC). It measures lidar backscatter of aerosols, which can be used to determine aerosol optical properties. It has typically been used to collect airborne lidar measurements from polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). The LaRC aerosol lidar consists of a ruby (694.3nm) and Nd:YAG (532 nm) laser systems and has a 14-inch diameter receiver. It has a repetition rate of 0.5 Hz.
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure various chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratio, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
Radiosondes are a balloon-borne instrument package used to collect profile measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, and winds. These sensors are connected to a radio transmitter that sends the measurements to a ground receiver typically operating in the 400-406 MHz range. They typically provide measurements at 1-6 seconds, depending on the type and manufacturer of the radiosonde. Radiosondes are used for weather forecasting, ground truth satellite data, atmospheric research, and input for weather prediction models.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
Ozonesondes are in situ balloon-borne instruments used to measure ozone concentration profiles. An ozonesonde consists of an electrochemical ozone sensor connected with a meteorological radiosonde to collect ozone, temperature, pressure, and humidity measurements as it ascends through the atmosphere. It provides ozone profile measurements at a resolution of 100 to 150 m. Ozonesondes have a typical measurement rate of 0.1 Hz and can collect profiles up to around 35 km.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Vertical Profiles
The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is optical method for
counting atmospheric aerosol particles.
Earth Science > >
The Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) is an in situ airborne instrument used to measure atmospheric state parameters. MMS provides high-resolution, accurate measurements of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and wind direction and speed immediately around the plane. Additional parameters that can be derived include potential temperature, true airspeed, turbulence dissipation rate, and Reynolds number. Measurements of all parameters are typically collected at a rate of 20 Hz.
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure various chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratio, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in-situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, such as nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds found in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to get a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
The Microwave Temperature Profiler (MTP) is an airborne microwave radiometer developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and later modified by NCAR. It measures brightness temperature from oxygen molecules at 56.363 GHz, 57.612 GHz, and 58.363 GHz. These measurements are converted into air temperature through a statistical retrieval process. It samples across 10 viewing angles and has a vertical resolution of 150 m near the aircraft. MTP provides profiles every 17 seconds with about 4 km of horizontal spacing.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The Airborne Tunable Laser Absorption Spectrometer (ATLAS) is an in situ airborne spectrometer developed by NASA. ATLAS uses second-harmonic absorption spectrometry to measure trace gases in the lower stratosphere, such as nitrous oxide, methane, carbon monoxide, and ozone. The laser inside ATLAS is tuned to the infrared absorption band of the target gas and is frequency modulated at 2 kHz, with second-harmonic detection happening at 4 kHz. ATLAS provides measurements with a time resolution of 1 second and a spatial resolution of about 200 meters when deployed on the ER-2 aircraft.
The NOAA Dual-Beam UV-Absorption Ozone Photometer (NOAA-O3) is an in situ optical balloon-borne and airborne instrument that measures ozone concentrations in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. It operates at a wavelength of 254 nm, enabling it to calculate ozone number density due to the precise ozone absorption cross section at that wavelength. It has a sampling rate of 2 Hz and a horizontal resolution of 100 to 200 meters during typical research flights.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Tropospheric Ozone
The NOAA Frost Point Hygrometer (FPH) is a balloon-borne sensor that collects profile measurements of atmospheric water vapor. It employs the chilled-mirror principle to determine the frost or dew point temperature up to 28 km in the atmosphere. FPH takes measurements with a vertical resolution of 5-10 m and a temporal resolution of 1-2 seconds.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Dew Point Temperature
The Aerosol/Cloud Particle Impactor/Replicator (ACIR) is an in situ airborne analyzer. It collects aerosol particles within the size range of 0.05-5 μm using Ames wire impactors. It can also be configured to collect cloud particles of sizes up to 500 μm using Formvar-coated glass rods. The Formvar replicator within the instrument provides measurements of the concentration, size, and shape of the collected particles at a spatial resolution of 20 meters at an aircraft speed of 200 meters per second. ACIR is typically used for measurements of cloud condensation nuclei, black carbon, and sulfate particles.
The Multiple Axis Resonance Fluorescence Chemical Conversion Detector for ClO and BrO (ClO/BrO) is an in situ airborne analyzer operated by Harvard University. It provides measurements of chlorine monoxide (ClO) and bromine monoxide (BrO) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. ClO and BrO are converted to chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) through the addition of nitric oxide (NO) in the sample air. Cl and Br concentrations are detected through resonance scattering in the vacuum ultraviolet (119 nm) to determine ClO and BrO concentrations. ClO/BrO has a detection limit greater than 1 pptv.
The Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) is an in situ airborne optical particle counter initially developed by Particle Measuring Systems, Inc. It determines particle size distribution by measuring the light intensity scattered by individual particles within the cloud. FSSP can detect particles ranging from 0.5 to 47 μm in diameter. It functions at a wavelength of 633 nm and typically samples at a rate of 1 Hz.
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution spectrometer used both in airborne and ground-based applications. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to estimate levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution of approximately 100m by 1000m and operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz during typical research flights.
The Differential Absorption Carbon monOxide Measurements (DACOM) is an airborne in situ spectrometer system. It uses the differential absorption technique and an infrared tunable diode laser (TDL) to collect measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. DACOM operates across the 4.7, 4.5, and 3.3 μm wavelengths to access the absorption lines for CO, N2O, and CH4. It has a measurement frequency of 5 Hz and a precision of about 1 ppbv.
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in-situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, such as nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds found in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to get a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system developed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter and provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone detection and in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
Generic-Radiometers refer to non-specific radiometers on a platform. These are typically passive microwave radiometers that measure brightness temperature. Radiometers can be used to retrieve temperature and water vapor profiles, soil moisture content, ocean salinity, precipitation and cloud properties, and vegetation.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
The Airborne Tracking Sun Photometer (ATSP) is an airborne device that measures direct solar beam transmission. The ATSP captures solar beam transmission through multiple channels with wavelengths spanning from 354 to 2139 nm. These measurements can be used to determine aerosol optical depth and other aerosol characteristics. Several versions of this instrument exist, including one developed by the NASA Ames Research Center.
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) is an in situ airborne optical particle counter initially developed by Particle Measuring Systems, Inc. It determines particle size distribution by measuring the light intensity scattered by individual particles within the cloud. FSSP can detect particles ranging from 0.5 to 47 μm in diameter. It functions at a wavelength of 633 nm and typically samples at a rate of 1 Hz.
Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for measurements of atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
The Microwave Temperature Profiler (MTP) is an airborne microwave radiometer developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and later modified by NCAR. It measures brightness temperature from oxygen molecules at 56.363 GHz, 57.612 GHz, and 58.363 GHz. These measurements are converted into air temperature through a statistical retrieval process. It samples across 10 viewing angles and has a vertical resolution of 150 m near the aircraft. MTP provides profiles every 17 seconds with about 4 km of horizontal spacing.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
Argus is a two-channel, tunable diode laser instrument developed at NASA Ames Research Center. It collects in situ measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere using second harmonic spectroscopy. Argus operates in the mid-infrared range (3.3 and 4.7 micrometers) and has an accuracy of about 3% for data rates between 0.1 and 0.5 Hz. Its lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for small payload platforms such as balloons and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Airborne Laser Infrared Absorption Spectrometer (ALIAS) is an in situ airborne spectrometer developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It can also be deployed on balloons. It uses mid-infrared (3.4–8 μm) absorption spectroscopy to measure atmospheric gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric acid (HNO3), hydrochloric acid (HCl), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH4). ALIAS has a vertical resolution of 15 m and a time resolution of 3 seconds or less.
The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is optical method for
counting atmospheric aerosol particles.
Earth Science > >
The Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It can be used on both airborne and ground-based platforms to measure aerosol size distribution and concentration. UHSAS determines particle size by detecting the peak light signals from aerosol particles illuminated by a 1054 nm laser. It can sample particles in the 60–1000 nm size range and operates at a sampling frequency of 10 Hz.
The Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) is an in situ airborne instrument used to measure atmospheric state parameters. MMS provides high-resolution, accurate measurements of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and wind direction and speed immediately around the plane. Additional parameters that can be derived include potential temperature, true airspeed, turbulence dissipation rate, and Reynolds number. Measurements of all parameters are typically collected at a rate of 20 Hz.
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in-situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, such as nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds found in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to get a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
The Microwave Temperature Profiler (MTP) is an airborne microwave radiometer developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and later modified by NCAR. It measures brightness temperature from oxygen molecules at 56.363 GHz, 57.612 GHz, and 58.363 GHz. These measurements are converted into air temperature through a statistical retrieval process. It samples across 10 viewing angles and has a vertical resolution of 150 m near the aircraft. MTP provides profiles every 17 seconds with about 4 km of horizontal spacing.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
The NOAA Frost Point Hygrometer (FPH) is a balloon-borne sensor that collects profile measurements of atmospheric water vapor. It employs the chilled-mirror principle to determine the frost or dew point temperature up to 28 km in the atmosphere. FPH takes measurements with a vertical resolution of 5-10 m and a temporal resolution of 1-2 seconds.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Dew Point Temperature
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The Focused Cavity Aerosol Spectrometer (FCAS) is an in situ airborne optical particle counter developed by Particle Measuring Systems, Inc. FCAS detects light scattered by individual aerosol particles to determine their size distribution. It can detect aerosol particles ranging from 0.06 to 2 μm in size and operate at altitudes up to 20 km. Typically, FCAS provides measurements every 10 seconds.
The NOAA Dual-Beam UV-Absorption Ozone Photometer (NOAA-O3) is an in situ optical balloon-borne and airborne instrument that measures ozone concentrations in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. It operates at a wavelength of 254 nm, enabling it to calculate ozone number density due to the precise ozone absorption cross section at that wavelength. It has a sampling rate of 2 Hz and a horizontal resolution of 100 to 200 meters during typical research flights.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Tropospheric Ozone
The Multiple Axis Resonance Fluorescence Chemical Conversion Detector for ClO and BrO (ClO/BrO) is an in situ airborne analyzer operated by Harvard University. It provides measurements of chlorine monoxide (ClO) and bromine monoxide (BrO) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. ClO and BrO are converted to chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) through the addition of nitric oxide (NO) in the sample air. Cl and Br concentrations are detected through resonance scattering in the vacuum ultraviolet (119 nm) to determine ClO and BrO concentrations. ClO/BrO has a detection limit greater than 1 pptv.
