The area near clouds is often classified as ‘clear sky’, but a new study demonstrates the potential biases of misclassifying these transition zones and their significance for Earth’s energy budget.
radiation
Wildfires Raise Concern About Remobilized Radioactive Contamination
Researchers collected soil and ash after the 2020 wildfires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Chemical tests suggested that the fires made it easier for contaminants to wash into nearby rivers.
Ground-based Transmitters Cause Radiation Belt Electron Loss
A U.S. Navy transmitter in Australia produces wisps of electron loss as observed by the Colorado Inner Radiation Belt Experiment (CIRBE) CubeSat in Low Earth Orbit.
Audible Storm Waves Could Turbocharge Earth’s Radiation Belts
Electromagnetic chorus waves could generate more extreme radiation levels than previously thought, posing severe hazards for Earth-orbiting spacecraft.
Studying the Mystery of Uranus’s Curiously Weak Radiation Belts
The belts may not be weak at all—instead, they may be simply changing speed thanks to the planet’s asymmetric magnetic field.
Tiny Satellites Can Provide Significant Information About Space
Students and faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder use CubeSats to learn more about the near-Earth environment.
Using Satellite Observations for Attribution of Radiation Changes
Analysis of infrared satellite measurements identifies the climate response to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Mapping the Moon to Shield Astronauts from Radiation
Scientists are charting landing spots that offer future lunar astronauts protection from the Sun and deep space.
The Complexity of Clouds, Circulation, and Climate
A new book explores the significant influence of clouds on climate via radiation, circulation, and precipitation.
Sensing the Color of Soil for Climate Modeling
The color of soil reflecting the Sun’s rays affects the Earth’s climate and water cycle. Using satellite data that senses many wavelengths improves soil reflectivity estimates, especially in deserts.