The PACE satellite is designed to monitor the health of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere, offering a new vantage point to observe the complex interactions that govern our climate. By focusing on the microscopic life in our oceans and the aerosols in our atmosphere, PACE stands to revolutionize our understanding of Earth’s biosphere and its response to climate change.
At the heart of PACE’s mission is the observation of phytoplankton, minute marine organisms that play a pivotal role in carbon cycling and the marine food chain. These organisms are not only fundamental to oceanic ecosystems but also act as a critical component in Earth’s carbon cycle, influencing the planet’s climate. The satellite’s advanced hyperspectral imaging capabilities will allow scientists to observe these organisms in unprecedented detail, providing insights into their distribution, diversity, and health.
In addition to studying ocean life, PACE will scrutinize the aerosols and clouds that adorn our skies. Aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere, can originate from natural sources like volcanoes and desert dust or from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. These particles have a profound impact on Earth’s climate, affecting cloud formation and the planet’s energy balance. By providing detailed measurements of these particles and their interaction with clouds, PACE will shed light on their role in climate dynamics and their impact on weather patterns and climate change.
