Satellites illuminate pollution's influence on clouds

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This artists concept shows how the satellites composing the A-Train fly in formation to make near-simultaneous observations of Earth. Credit: NASA
This artist's concept shows how the satellites composing the A-Train fly in formation to make near-simultaneous observations of Earth. Credit: NASA
Clouds have typically posed a problem to scientists using satellites to observe the lowest part of the atmosphere, where humans live and breathe, because they block the satellite's ability to capture a clear, unobstructed view of Earth's surface. It turns out, however, that these "obstructions" are worth a closer look, as clouds and their characteristics actually serve a valuable role in Earth's climate. That closer look is now available by satellites comprising the Afternoon Constellation, or A-Train.


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