NASA's space station dust sensor uncovers 8 methane 'super-emitters' on Earth

NASA has used the space station’s dust sensor to map 8 methane ‘super-emitters’ on Earth that may be responsible for the largest part of the global methane budget and its increase over recent years, reported a study published in Nature Sustainability . Until now, methane emissions have been poorly quantified on regional scales. Methane is about 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, so reducing its emission could have significant global warming impacts.

1) Satellites capture plumes of pollution in cities around world

Satellites are a way to get an aerial view of Earth. This past summer, NASA launched the International Space Station Dust Sensor (ISS-DS) to measure trace gases in the upper atmosphere. The ISS-DS identified 50 super emitters - patches of Earth with high levels of atmospheric methane.

2) This explains how satellite data can help scientists find sources of pollution

NASA scientists have developed a technique to use satellite data in order to uncover the sources of pollutants. This can be helpful because while we know how much pollution is being emitted, it is hard to pinpoint where these emissions are coming from. NASA uses the International Space Station (ISS) Dust Monitor as a sensor to measure concentrations of gases in Earth's atmosphere by sampling air that passes over the outside surface of the ISS.

3) Scientists need ground measurements, too

NASA recently launched a new satellite to measure the Earth's atmosphere. This is not an easy task, as it must be done from millions of miles away. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is using data from the International Space Station to create a map of methane emissions around the world. NASA's space station dust sensor has uncovered 8 super emitters of methane on Earth so far.

4) The closer the better

NASA has announced that they have successfully mapped 50 of the world's largest methane super-emitters using a dust sensor on board the International Space Station (ISS). They have also announced that this is the first time such an effort has been made and that it was successful. The data will help scientists better understand what activities are causing these emissions and to create ways to reduce them. 

The ISS is in low Earth orbit, which means it orbits our planet at roughly 250 miles above sea level.

5) Sensor On The Move

The International Space Station has been collecting data about Earth for 16 years now, and NASA just announced that it has uncovered eight methane super emitters by using a sensor to measure the surface of the earth from orbit. The sensor, called GOSAT, is only able to collect data when it orbits over one area for a period of time, so NASA will have to wait until 2018 before they are able to see the other 50 hotspots.

6) The sheer number of sensors is key

Launched in April 2001, the International Space Station has held a low Earth orbit for 16 years to date. In 2009, NASA added an instrument that could analyze dust particles to better understand the effects of space conditions on spacecraft instruments.

7) Methane leaks make natural gas worse for climate than coal

NASA recently made a discovery using the international space station. They are using a spacecraft known as Voyager 1 which is traveling at over 40,000 miles per hour. They've been collecting bits of dust to map 50 methane super emitters on Earth with the hope that it will show where and how much leakage is taking place.