Satellite instrument helps tackle mysteries of ozone-eating clouds

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Polar stratospheric clouds are often referred to as mother-of-pearl clouds because of their iridescent appearance. These clouds form in altitudes between 20 and 30 kilometres when temperatures drop to minus 80 degrees Celsius and play a vital role in ...
Polar stratospheric clouds are often referred to as mother-of-pearl clouds because of their iridescent appearance. These clouds form in altitudes between 20 and 30 kilometres when temperatures drop to minus 80 degrees Celsius and play a vital role in ozone destruction. Credits: David Hay Jones/tunc.biz

Polar stratospheric clouds have become the focus of many research projects in recent years due to the discovery of their role in ozone depletion, but essential aspects of these clouds remain a mystery. MIPAS, an instrument onboard ESA's Envisat, is allowing scientists to gain information about these clouds necessary for modelling ozone loss.


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