NASA Uses UAVs to Spy on Climate Patterns
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Cloud Physics Lidar: A laser-based system that creates detailed images of clouds and mist.
Laser Hygrometer: Bounces a 1.3- micron infrared beam between two mirrors to measure water vapor in the atmosphere.
Chromatograph for Atmospheric Trace Species: Uses an electron-capture detector to analyze air samples for harmful gases.
Micrometeorological Measurement System: A battery of sensors that record temperature, wind speed, and pressure.
Airborne Compact Atmospheric Mapper: A Nikon 8800 digicam that tracks cloud patterns by snapping images every 20 seconds, and two spectrographs that measure gases like the pollutant nitrogen dioxide.
