SAGE is a satellite-based experiment that will play a critical role in
NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) program by monitoring the global distribution of aerosols, ozone and other trace gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These long-term data records enable scientists to assess influences of natural events such as volcanic eruptions as well as human activities such as high-altitude supersonic aircraft on the Earth's climate system and on atmospheric processes, which may impact the quality of life on Earth. SAGE III is an extension of a family of very successful predecessors, SAGE I and SAGE II. The SAGE III instrument has incorporated new technology to enhance its measurement capabilities and provide much
improved data products. Like its predecessors, it employs the solar
occultation technique to measure vertical profiles of atmospheric optical depth. With SAGE III, lunar occultation capability has been added, which increases the measurement opportunities with moonrises and moonsets. Lunar occultation also makes it possible to measure atmospheric species that are not observable in the presence of daylight. In addition, SAGE III has a much higher spectral resolution than the previous instruments, which enables it to better characterize atmospheric species.
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