R/V SERC
R/V Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer that measures column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy to retrieve ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral range at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can perform both direct-sun and all-sky radiance measurements, with an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is part of the Pandonia Global Network, a network of identical instruments.

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 chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratios, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.

Ceilometers are ground-based remote-sensing instruments that measure cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use a laser or another light source to detect backscatter from clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers provide detailed, precise measurements in all weather conditions and are cost-effective to operate. They are commonly used in boundary-layer and cloud research.