TROPOMIs

TROPOMI is an acronym for the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument. It is a Dutch-built satellite instrument launched on September 13, 2017, as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Sentinel-5P mission. The primary goal of TROPOMI is to measure atmospheric trace gases, aerosols, and clouds. It provides daily global coverage at a spatial resolution of up to 3.5 x 5.5 kilometers, which is significantly higher than previous instruments.

The instrument uses a hyperspectral imaging spectrometer to observe Earth's atmosphere in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectral ranges. By analyzing the light that has been absorbed or scattered by different atmospheric components, TROPOMI can derive the concentrations of various gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and ozone (O3). It also measures aerosol optical depth and cloud properties.

The data collected by TROPOMI is crucial for a wide range of applications. It aids in monitoring air quality, understanding the sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, tracking volcanic emissions, and studying the impact of human activities on the atmosphere. The high resolution and frequent observations enable scientists to identify localized pollution sources and observe short-term atmospheric processes. TROPOMI data is freely available to researchers and the public, contributing to advancements in atmospheric science and environmental monitoring.