Stephen Holler

Stephen Holler

New York, NY

B.S. Physics - Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY M.S. Applied Physics - Yale University, New Haven, CT M.Phil. Applied Physics - Yale University, New Haven, CT Ph.D. Applied Physics - Yale University, New Haven, CT

Assistant Professor of Physics & Engineering Physics, Fordham University

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The spatial resolution of the OCO-2 is regional (NASA says "areas the size of France or Texas") so sources and sinks will be (should be) detectable. It will be interesting to see how much improved this satellite is over the existing technology. FYI, there is no OCO-1; that satellite suffered a failed launch and never achieved orbit. However, Japan operates the Greenhouse Gas Orbserving Satellite or GOSAT project which was launched in 2009 and measures CH4 in addition to CO2. More information about, and data from GOSAT can be found here: http://www.gosat.nies.go.jp/index_e.html
Jun 25, 2014
Can we change public perception of climate change by providing real-time environmental data?
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Hi Dominique, great question. Yes, satellite based sensing is possible, and, in fact, is currently being performed. Your inquiry is quite timely too because NASA is set to let the Orbiting Carbon Observatory - 2 next week (July 1). This satellite was designed specifically to measure global carbon dioxide levels and provide regional data for sources and sinks. Millions of measurements will be performed each day although only a fraction will be sufficiently free from clouds to provide accurate measures. The data obtained will be used to improve models and allow people to make informed decisions regarding carbon.
Jun 25, 2014
Can we change public perception of climate change by providing real-time environmental data?
View comment