New Pollution Radar Exposes Urban Smog

Ever wonder just how much smog you’re bathing in every day? A new pollution radar developed by Surrey Satellite Technology, the University of Leicester, and EADS Astrium might be able to show you.

The radar, which can be attached to satellites, can monitor air quality across large swaths of urban and industrial spaces. Leiceister scientists are also working on a ground-based version of the CityScan technology. When completed, it will provide real-time, 3D maps of atmospheric gases. The maps will be created analyzing solar/UV radiation from multiple instruments and viewing points–essentially enabling a 3D composite to be created.

According to the World Health Organization, 2.4 million people die each year from air pollution-related causes. Let’s hope CityScan can prevent at least some of these deaths.

Photo Credit: CC licensed by flickr user Storm Crypt

Tweet This Post

You might also like:

Add a comment or question

One Comment

  1. [...] in nature and those contributed by human activity.  Along with new observational tools such as a satellite-based pollution radar, the discovery of the stretchable properties of salt could lead to a more sustainable approach to [...]

Tell us what you think: