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Spectacular increase in the deuterium/hydrogen ratio in Venus' atmosphere

Researchers discovered an unexpected increase in H2O and HDO concentrations in Venus' mesosphere, with the HDO/H2O ratio rising 120 times higher than expected. This finding suggests that solar radiation broke down water isotopologues, producing hydrogen atoms that escape into space, leading to deuterium enrichment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Rocket engine exhaust pollution extends high into Earth's atmosphere

Researchers found rocket exhaust gases can remain high in altitude, producing thermal nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide that can affect the Earth's climate. The team modeled fluid dynamics of rocket exhaust gases to understand the impact on atmospheric pollution.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 17, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Climate change is making night-shining clouds more visible

Researchers found that increased greenhouse gas emissions have led to a significant increase in noctilucent cloud formation and visibility. The study suggests that human-caused climate change is affecting the middle atmosphere and making these clouds more visible.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NASA advances world's first spaceborne sodium lidar

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing the world's first spaceborne sodium lidar to illuminate the complex relationship between Earth's chemistry and mesosphere dynamics. The instrument will provide higher-resolution data on the small-scale dynamics occurring in the upper atmosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2013

Clouds, clouds, burning bright

Researchers use noctilucent clouds as a proxy for atmospheric temperatures, revealing changes in the mesosphere that can affect global weather systems. The clouds' annual formation is influenced by wind circulation patterns between hemispheres.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 18, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

NASA extends TIMED mission for fourth time

The NASA Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission has been extended for the fourth time to study the upper atmosphere. The mission will focus on differentiating between human-induced and naturally occurring changes in this atmospheric region, allowing scientists to understand long-term trends.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 5, 2010

NASA aims to clear up mystery of elusive clouds at edge of space

The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft aims to probe mysterious polar mesospheric clouds that dot the edge of space, providing insight into climate change indicators. The mission will analyze cloud formation, size, and composition using three instruments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 11, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New thinking needed on atmospheric physics, study suggests

Researchers collected sprite data during a balloon campaign to study the electromagnetic signature of lightning strokes that produce sprites. The results indicate that negative cloud to ground strokes produce sprite halos seven times more often than positive strokes, suggesting an energy imbalance in the mesosphere.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 14, 2002