A NASA study suggests that a warmer future climate will increase droughts in the southwest United States and other parts of the world. The researchers found that changes in solar output in the past increased surface warming and altered atmospheric moisture and circulations, leading to severe droughts.
2006 was the fifth warmest year in the past century, according to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Global temperatures have been increasing steadily, with the greatest warming occurring at high latitudes and most ocean areas.
The NASA Goddard Space Science Center has won several prestigious awards this season, including the Bruno Rossi Prize for high-energy astrophysics and the Annie Jump Cannon Award for female astronomers. These awards recognize the center's outstanding research efforts and achievements in space science.
The James Webb Space Telescope's mirror blanks have been constructed, forming a mirror over seven times larger than the Hubble Telescope's mirror. The larger mirror enables excellent resolution and sensitivity, allowing scientists to see back to the formation of the first galaxies after the Big Bang.
A recent study by NASA tracked aerosol sources and their impact on climate, finding that black carbon from Southeast Asian residential sources contributes significantly to Arctic warming. The researchers also discovered that biomass-burning aerosols produce cooling effects in the atmosphere, which partially offset greenhouse gas emissi...
The James Webb Space Telescope's backplane has passed health tests, withstanding freezing temperatures and operating accurately. The successful test ensures the telescope can handle its space trip and work in space, paving the way for future scientific discoveries.
Tiny airborne dust particles from Africa's desert regions can alter surface and air temperatures globally, causing a 'teleconnection' effect. Researchers found that North African dust affects the Caspian Sea and central Asia while having a cooling effect on the region.
The microshutters will enable scientists to block unwanted light from objects closer to the camera in space, letting the light from faraway objects shine through. This technology allows the telescope to focus on the faint light of stars and galaxies so far away, they formed early in the history of the universe.
The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season had near-normal activity with nine named storms, including five hurricanes, due to cooler sea surface temperatures and the shift of the Bermuda High. This resulted in stronger winds and reduced thunderstorm formation.
Researchers used NASA earth observations to predict wildfires in southern California, identifying key factors such as plant moisture and fuel condition. The study found that the instruments can detect conditions favorable for wildfires, improving wildfire prediction and monitoring capabilities.
Researchers used satellite imagery and radar sensors to study Pacific walrus habitats in the Bering and Chukchi seas. They found that walruses prefer medium-thickness first-year ice, which is critical for their survival and way of life.
Researchers use advanced instruments to measure changes in the ice sheets' mass balance, revealing a consistent story of shrinking ice masses. The West Antarctic ice sheet is currently shrinking substantially, while East Antarctica's larger ice sheet has been growing slowly.
Researchers gathered precise wind measurements in a hurricane using NASA's ER-2 aircraft and NOAA's P-3 aircraft. This data helps advance the understanding of complex storms, allowing for more accurate forecasts and potential improvements in replicating hurricane development.
Scientists recreated Tropical Storm Gert's life cycle using computer models and data from the 2005 Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes mission. The study identified convection, wind shear, and ocean surface temperature as crucial factors in Gert's origination and strengthening.
A NASA study reveals that climate warming leads to a decline in ocean's primary food supply, phytoplankton, which is responsible for photosynthesis. This reduction affects fishery yields, marine bird populations, and carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere.
The film showcases various phenomena like hurricanes, satellite data collection, and ocean temperature changes. It also features special presentations about Earth's moon and Mars, offering an immersive experience of space exploration.
A recent study found that Iceland's Laki volcanic event significantly changed atmospheric circulations, causing unusual temperature and precipitation patterns that peaked in the summer of 1783. This resulted in record low river levels on the Nile River for up to a year due to reduced evaporation and increased temperatures.
NASA Goddard's carbon nanotubes are stronger than steel and can conduct electricity like copper, with applications in materials science, electronics, and medicine. The technology has been licensed to Idaho Space Materials, making it more accessible for research and development.
Scientists use NASA satellite data and computer modeling to track Yellowstone bison migration patterns and predict when they will leave public land for private property, reducing conflicts with ranchers. The project provides daily maps of snowpack depth and density to inform park officials' decisions.
Scientists used NASA satellite data to identify regions with the most intense thunderstorms, finding that eastern Andes Mountains in Argentina and semi-arid regions like Sahara Desert have powerful storms. The study also found that rainy areas like western Amazonia and Southeast Asia experience frequent but relatively few severe storms.
Sea levels are expected to rise by 11.8-37.5 inches in NYC by the 2080s, with hurricane storm surges posing a significant threat. A recent study predicts that even small sea level increases could cause extensive flooding and transportation disruptions.
The Antarctic ozone hole has broken records for area and depth, with an average area of 10.6 million square miles and a record low ozone value of 85 Dobson Units. The large ozone hole is caused by human-produced compounds releasing chlorine and bromine gases in the stratosphere.
Researchers use novel technique to analyze regional changes in Greenland's massive ice sheet, finding dramatic losses concentrated in coastal regions. The study shows an annual net loss of ice equal to nearly six years of average water flow from the Colorado River, with 20% more mass lost than received from new snowfall each year.
The new website provides frequent updates on changing ocean temperatures, with two primary types of data: actual temperature readings and sea surface temperature anomalies. Sea surface temperature changes can influence climate, weather, and hurricane patterns, making the website a valuable tool for scientists.
Pollutants from Central American biomass burning influence air quality and climate in the United States, particularly visibility and surface air temperatures. The smoke plumes also trap aerosols in the lower atmosphere, worsening air quality.
NASA's Aqua and Jason satellites have observed a general warming of ocean temperatures and a rise in sea surface heights in the central and eastern Pacific along the equator, indicating El Niño development. The current El Niño signal is far less dramatic than that seen during the start of the last major El Niño episode in 1997-1998.
The Antarctic ozone hole reaches its annual peak, providing insights into the impact of the Montreal Protocol ban on CFCs. NASA's satellite data suggests that while the hole has not shown substantial recovery signs, long-term monitoring indicates a possible decrease in size by 2025.
The new Hurricane web portal provides a variety of measurements from NASA instruments, including current conditions, image galleries, event-based data, and tools. The portal also features links to various analysis software systems, such as Giovanni, allowing users to explore and analyze Earth sciences data interactively.
The NASA Scanning Radar Altimeter (SRA) captured detailed information on wave behavior in hurricanes, helping improve sea height forecasts. Ocean wave height responds rapidly to changes in a storm's wind speed, but the overall wave field is also driven by storm size and forward motion.
A NASA study reveals the Earth is warming at a rate of 0.2° Celsius per decade, pushing global temperatures to levels not seen in thousands of years. This rapid warming trend is forcing species migration and posing a significant threat to biodiversity.
Researchers found that pollutants from forest fires in Alaska and Canada significantly increased ozone pollution levels above Houston on July 19-20, 2004. The study highlighted the critical role of imported sources in local air quality, emphasizing the need for improved air quality forecasting and solutions.
A recent NASA study found that clearing for mechanized cropland has become a significant force in Brazilian Amazon deforestation. The study suggests that the conversion of forests to croplands can have a more pronounced ecological and climate impact than other land conversions.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has awarded NASA's Earth Observing System Program the 2006 Space Systems Award. The program, which comprises a series of Earth-observing satellites and an advanced data system, is being recognized for its outstanding achievements in global environmental monitoring.
A new study reveals a significant decline in Arctic winter sea ice cover, with losses of six percent per year over the last two winters. This reduction is attributed to rising greenhouse gas emissions and warmer temperatures, posing a threat to marine ecosystems.
Researchers from NASA and the Canadian Wildlife Service found that climate warming is negatively impacting polar bears due to shorter spring hunting seasons and reduced sea-ice cover. This can lead to a decline in female reproduction, reduced body weight, and increased human-bear conflicts.
A NASA study reveals that small dust particles, known as aerosols, help trigger rainfall in South Asia's Tibetan Plateau during the monsoon season. The 'elevated heat pump' effect amplifies this process, causing an earlier and longer wet season in northern India.
Scientists on the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) mission used a combination of satellites and aircraft to study hurricanes. They found surprisingly strong winds in tropical disturbances and evidence of dry air, which typically comes from the Sahara Air Layer.
Scientists determined that nitrogen is the primary element missing for algae growth in the northern tropical Pacific, while iron was lacking everywhere else. The 'iron-effect' decreases carbon ocean plant photosynthesis estimates by two billion tons, allowing for more accurate carbon movement modeling and resource management.
A NASA-funded study uses satellite data to monitor forest growth and health, detecting the effects of climate change on tree species and forest composition. The MODIS dataset shows a strong link between forest productivity and the number of tree species, enabling scientists to better predict future changes.
Katrina's rapid development was aided by favorable atmospheric conditions and warm ocean temperatures. Satellite data from NASA instruments provided crucial information on the storm's cloud motion, rainfall intensity, and wind speeds.
The SAM walker, developed from NASA's cable-compliant technology, aids spinal cord and traumatic brain injury patients in standing and walking. It reduces pressure on legs and allows patients to strengthen their lower body muscles, helping them regain mobility and independence.
Scientists are using a powerful array of instruments to dissect the region's atmosphere and understand intense urban air pollution episodes. The experiment is also evaluating next-gen weather forecasting tools and tracking water vapor, a stronger greenhouse gas involved in climate change.
Scientists from NASA and the University of Maryland used a new tool to track possible habitats of the ivory-billed woodpecker in delta regions along the lower Mississippi River. The study aims to determine if the species is extinct or still living.
Scientists believe that high runoff from hurricanes in 2004 contributed to the development of extensive and long-lasting red tides off west-central Florida. Groundwater discharge is thought to provide the necessary nutrients for these blooms, explaining their persistence and frequent occurrence in the region.
A global survey of coral reefs, built using NASA satellite images, found that only a handful of marine protected areas provide effective protection for fish species and marine life. The study highlights the need for larger reserves to protect these ecosystems.
Scientists study how African winds, dust conditions influence hurricane birth; use satellite data, weather stations, aircraft to improve hurricane forecasting. Researchers seek answers on hurricane development, air currents, Saharan Air Layer's effect on clouds.
A study by J. Marshall Shepherd found a significant increase in rainfall in arid cities like Phoenix and Riyadh due to urbanization and human activities. This change has real implications for water resource management, agricultural efficiency and urban planning.
Scientists at NASA have found that aerosol particles in air pollution can prevent clouds from forming, while lighter particles can help them form. This discovery could improve climate predictions and understanding of the Earth's climate system.
Researchers from NASA and international agencies have developed a new tool to predict the timing of ozone hole recovery. They predict the ozone hole will recover around 2068, nearly 20 years later than previously believed.
Scientists detected powerful lightning activity in Hurricane Emily's eye-wall and surrounding storms, with electric fields exceeding 8 kilovolts per meter. This finding has generated interest in understanding the link between lightning and hurricane development, intensification, and behavior.