Topic outline

  • Earth and Space Science

    Earth and Space Science


    1. Meteor Composition Determination Meteor

      1. Meteors are often difficult to analyze on the ground due to interference from the Earth’s atmosphere. The measurements are limited to very short periods of observation time at a small portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. Specifically, ozone absorption masks the important “organic” carbon spectral emission.

      2. Throughout its time in Space, meteors that cross the field of view of the observer’s instruments will be recorded photographically or electronically. All spectral measurements will be made with a spectrograph, which records wavelengths instantaneously. Investigators can determine elemental abundance by comparing known spectra to observed spectra.

      3. It is important to understand the elemental composition of meteors, both to contribute to our understanding of how planets developed, and to monitor for carbon-based compounds.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1323.html

    2. Development of Methods to Determine the Carbon Dioxide and Methane (Greenhouse gases) Content in the Earth’s Atmosphere from On-Board the ISS

      1. This experiment will remotely determine the methane and carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere, and compare greenhouse gas emissions to natural and human-populated areas.

      2. Attached to the ISS will be a digital camera. The images will be filtered with a software developed by the investigators to identify greenhouse gases.

      3. It is important to continue the collection of data on climate change, and convince the world that humans have a significant impact on global temperatures.  

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/473.html

    3. Examination of the Flow of High Speed and Thermal Neutrons

      1. Crew members aboard the ISS found that radiation exposure during extravehicular activity varied significantly depending on the station’s orbital position. This experiment will help improve current radiation models, and examine the complete amount of radiation astronauts are exposed to.

      2. This experiment will develop a physical model of neutron albedo of the Earth’s atmosphere, and record radiation levels of randomly generated space gamma bursts.

      3. It is important to understand the dosage of radiation astronauts are receiving in order to develop proper spacesuits for protection, and prevent radiation overdose that could have serious long-term health consequences.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/511.html