That's
right! Our team of scientists and engineers
from the United States and France are busy planning
a satellite-based research experiment that
will use a laser to study Earth's atmosphere.
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Although other missions have used passive
methods to gather data, this mission called CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol
Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations), will
actively measure aerosols and clouds 24 hours a day. Passive
instruments take measurements without probing the area being
measured, while active instruments penetrate the space they
are measuring like a flash on a camera. CALIPSO
will fly in formation with AQUA
and CloudSat
composing a train of satellites traveling above us
and collecting data. CALIPSO will carry its own light
source as part of an instrument called LIDAR (light
detection and ranging). The data collected will help
us discover more about climate change and our environment
than ever known before. While waiting for launch, scheduled
for 2005, we are building sunphotometers that will
allow students to collect atmospheric data right outside
their classrooms. Don't wait to join our global research
team! We have tons of exciting lessons, activities,
and projects planned prior to launch that will beam
you into discovery.
The goal of the CALIPSO Outreach program
is to provide information on global climate change to the
public in an effort to develop scientifically literate citizens.
The aim of the Outreach mission is to promote lifelong learners
capable of understanding the issues related to atmospheric
sciences and making educated decisions regarding climate
change, pollution, and conservation. This goal will be accomplished
through the education, involvement, and awareness of the
public, university communities, and K-12 educators. All
education materials are standards-based and reviewed by
an Advisory Board of educators and scientists. The tools
our website and outreach program provides are designed to
assist in reaching this goal as well as provide opportunities
to actively participate in a NASA research mission.
Click on the clock tower to learn about Hampton University.
Contact Information:
Responsible NASA official: Melinda Cagle, Science Manager, CALIPSO |
If you are interested in studying the atmosphere by collecting and using data in your classroom then you've come to the right place. CALIPSO is scheduled to launch summer 2005, but we've started NOW. Sunphotometers are currently being developed that will allow teachers and students on a global level to actively participate in a real NASA mission. If you're interested in studying the earth's atmosphere contact the CALIPSO Outreach team and we'll put you in our database.
The following organizations work in collaboration with the CALIPSO Outreach program.
 Hampton University manages NASA's portion of the CALIPSO public and education outreach program under contract with NASA Langley Research Center.
WHRO
GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment)
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