NASA's AIRS programme improves our knowledge of the planet's climate.

After 20 years of Earth-scanning, NASA's Aqua satellite's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) sensor now has a sufficient body of data to aid in the study of climate change. Forecasts for weather and our knowledge of Earth's climate are being improved by AIRS data on the atmosphere. 3D maps of air and surface temperature, water vapour content, and cloud characteristics are produced using AIRS' infrared technology. The electromagnetic spectrum's infrared region contains a wealth of data on gases, particularly greenhouse gases like ozone and carbon dioxide. The availability of quick worldwide coverage is a benefit of having such an equipment in orbit. The 'fingerprint' of the atmosphere at a certain time and location created by AIRS data is used to create climate records for future generations. On May 4, 2002, NASA's Aqua spacecraft, which included AIRS, was put into orbit around the Earth. learn more about the mission, visit: https://airs.jpl.nasa.gov