NCAR Scientists Measure Gravity From Space

By on May 20, 2015
Lake Tanganyika, captured here in a satellite photo, is the second largest freshwater lake in the world (Credit: NASA)

Lake Tanganyika, captured here in a satellite photo, is the second largest freshwater lake in the world (Credit: NASA)


For the first time, scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research have discovered a way to watch gravity waves move toward space, according to a release. The development came after researchers increased the resolution of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, which is overseen by NCAR.

Under typical resolution settings, NCAR scientists can watch gravity movement at about 2,000 kilometers across. Using the higher resolution, scientists are able to see gravity waves down to 200 kilometers across.

The ability to see gravity waves could be helpful in keeping satellites and other space platforms from encountering atmospheric disturbances, researchers say. Scientists have long known about the important roles gravity waves play in the atmosphere, but had no way of observing them until now.

Featured Image: Lake Tanganyika, captured here in a satellite photo, is the second largest freshwater lake in the world  (Credit: NASA)

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