Comments on: The A-Train: Using Five Satellites as One to Analyze Polluted Clouds http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/ Space and astronomy news Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:56:59 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: alphonso richardson http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/comment-page-1/#comment-22281 alphonso richardson Fri, 30 May 2008 07:18:22 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/?p=14572#comment-22281 It's an interesting example of collaborative satellite use, as well as an intriguing method of problem solving. I agree with David in that it at least is a step to building a strong case . I also wonder, are the satellites in the A-Train all completely different, or do they have some common instruments? If so, is it possible to also combine these to provide better detail or resolution, or does it not work that way? It's an interesting example of collaborative satellite use, as well as an intriguing method of problem solving.
I agree with David in that it at least is a step to building a strong case .
I also wonder, are the satellites in the A-Train all completely different, or do they have some common instruments? If so, is it possible to also combine these to provide better detail or resolution, or does it not work that way?

]]> By: David http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/comment-page-1/#comment-22114 David Wed, 28 May 2008 22:25:46 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/?p=14572#comment-22114 Ian, This sounds like a significant development if in fact they can pinpoint polluters. The cynic in me says that the contributors to such pollutants will not care. But at the very least, it's one step closer to making a graphic case to the damage we're doing to our Deep Blue. Thanks for another excellent article. Ian,

This sounds like a significant development if in fact they can pinpoint polluters. The cynic in me says that the contributors to such pollutants will not care. But at the very least, it's one step closer to making a graphic case to the damage we're doing to our Deep Blue. Thanks for another excellent article.

]]> By: Ian O'Neill http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/comment-page-1/#comment-22086 Ian O'Neill Wed, 28 May 2008 16:11:19 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/?p=14572#comment-22086 Hi David. Yes, I think you are right, high levels of CO highlight clouds containing polluting particles. I'm sure natural sources cause this too, but it depends on the source. Like during periods of high agri burning, larger presence of CO. Also (what I can understand from reading the A-Train research), scientists should be able to link polluted cloud with the source of the pollution too, might help with the identification of industrial polluters. It's all very interesting research :-) Nice to know satellites are teaming up! Cheers, Ian :) Hi David.

Yes, I think you are right, high levels of CO highlight clouds containing polluting particles. I'm sure natural sources cause this too, but it depends on the source. Like during periods of high agri burning, larger presence of CO. Also (what I can understand from reading the A-Train research), scientists should be able to link polluted cloud with the source of the pollution too, might help with the identification of industrial polluters.

It's all very interesting research :-) Nice to know satellites are teaming up!

Cheers, Ian :)

]]> By: David http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/comment-page-1/#comment-22077 David Wed, 28 May 2008 14:51:56 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/?p=14572#comment-22077 "How is it possible to distinguish between polluted and unpolluted clouds? Firstly, the A-Train's Aura satellite measures the concentration of carbon monoxide in the clouds. This is a strong indicator for the presence of smoke and other aerosols originating from a power plant or agricultural activities." This claim implies that carbon monoxide exists in higher concentrations that originate from artificial sources. Overall, the article was silent on other potential sources of carbon monoxide. Does that mean that natural sources do not emit carbon monoxide? Does that mean that our research abilities can pinpoint pollution based on carbon monoxide levels? I am assuming that yes, this is the case with regard to both questions. Still think it's worth asking the question. No, I am not a right-wing conspiracy theorist/alarmist attempting to debunk an article related to human-based global warming. Just a mild mannered tree hugger asking a question. "How is it possible to distinguish between polluted and unpolluted clouds? Firstly, the A-Train's Aura satellite measures the concentration of carbon monoxide in the clouds. This is a strong indicator for the presence of smoke and other aerosols originating from a power plant or agricultural activities."

This claim implies that carbon monoxide exists in higher concentrations that originate from artificial sources. Overall, the article was silent on other potential sources of carbon monoxide. Does that mean that natural sources do not emit carbon monoxide? Does that mean that our research abilities can pinpoint pollution based on carbon monoxide levels? I am assuming that yes, this is the case with regard to both questions. Still think it's worth asking the question. No, I am not a right-wing conspiracy theorist/alarmist attempting to debunk an article related to human-based global warming. Just a mild mannered tree hugger asking a question.

]]> By: Waylander_348 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/comment-page-1/#comment-22022 Waylander_348 Wed, 28 May 2008 04:55:49 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/?p=14572#comment-22022 It is good to study the effects of pollution. I am all for reducing pollution and we have come a long way in cleaning up the environment. This should help catch cheaters. As technology increases, we can do more. Ironically, developing countries had a 30 year lag in the 90s to afford the equipment to do this. Perhaps we should focus on helping them control their pollution. That would help everyone everywhere. They could then invest the money back into their economies and raise their people. They can then buy from us. We recoup our investment many times. It is good to study the effects of pollution. I am all for reducing pollution and we have come a long way in cleaning up the environment. This should help catch cheaters. As technology increases, we can do more. Ironically, developing countries had a 30 year lag in the 90s to afford the equipment to do this. Perhaps we should focus on helping them control their pollution. That would help everyone everywhere. They could then invest the money back into their economies and raise their people. They can then buy from us. We recoup our investment many times.

]]> By: Laszlo http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/27/the-a-train-using-five-satellites-as-one-to-analyze-polluted-clouds/comment-page-1/#comment-22006 Laszlo Wed, 28 May 2008 01:59:28 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/?p=14572#comment-22006 It would be nice to know the relationship betwixt aerosols, colloids, particulates, salts, etc and crystal size and formation. I thought nucleation enhances crystal & rain formation? Aerosolized Sea Salt's supposed to produce Pacific storms. Barium Sulphates in chemtrails supposedly distort radar. Cumulus-Nimbus clouds result from strong humid updrafts (esp tropical). I guess snow machines have their own ionic salt formulae. This article states that pollutants lowered rainfall, why so? Dry Ice (CO2) precipitates cloud formation and rain in bulk thrown out of planes. Silver Iodide is more effective or parsimonious- a little goes a long way. China deploys its own 'Rainmaking' squad for the august Olympics, which occurs during Beijings rainy season. What might work in my Rainmaker? Tell me truly I implore, only this & nothing more. Les It would be nice to know the relationship betwixt aerosols, colloids, particulates, salts, etc and crystal size and formation. I thought nucleation enhances crystal & rain formation? Aerosolized Sea Salt's supposed to produce Pacific storms. Barium Sulphates in chemtrails supposedly distort radar. Cumulus-Nimbus clouds result from strong humid updrafts (esp tropical). I guess snow machines have their own ionic salt formulae.
This article states that pollutants lowered rainfall, why so? Dry Ice (CO2) precipitates cloud formation and rain in bulk thrown out of planes. Silver Iodide is more effective or parsimonious- a little goes a long way. China deploys its own 'Rainmaking' squad for the august Olympics, which occurs during Beijings rainy season. What might work in my Rainmaker? Tell me truly I implore, only this & nothing more. Les

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