SOLAR - SAGE III Outreach
STUDENTS ON-LINE ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
Introduction
SAGE III 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.
[Solar Occultation]
[Missions]
[SAGE Data]
[SAGE III*]
[SAGE II*]
[SAGE I*]
[Aerosols]
[AtSC*]
[SOLAR]
[SOLAR Experiment]
[Site Index]
* The astrick denotes sites that are not text only.
Responsible NASA Official: David C. Woods
SAGE III Mission at NASA Langley Research Center
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Last Updated: Tuesday, November 02, 1999 8:56:24 AM