The Mid-Atlantic Gas Emissions Quantification (MAGEQ) is a coordination of independent campaigns and networks to quantify and compare greenhouse gas emissions across petrochemical, urban, agricultural, and wetland regions. MAGEQ took place during the summer of 2025 across the Mid-Atlantic United States. Six aircraft equipped with in situ and remote sensors, such as the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer - 3rd Generation (AVIRIS-3), High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO), and Goddard’s LiDAR Hyperspectral & Thermal Imager (G-LiHT), collected measurements of greenhouse gas concentrations and fluxes. Ground-based measurements from surface networks, such as Pandora and Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet), were also gathered. MAGEQ was led by NASA in coordination with NOAA and used aircraft from NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP), Appalachian Active Passive Methane Airborne Constraints (APMAC) campaign, and NOAA’s Baltimore Air Quality and Marcellus Survey (BAQMS). Data from MAGEQ also supported the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center.
The Goddards’ LiDAR Hyperspectral & Thermal Imager (G-LiHT) is a portable, airborne imaging system developed at Goddard Space Flight Center. It uses multiple sensors to simultaneously map the composition, structure, and function of terrestrial ecosystems. G-LiHT includes a scanning lidar, a profiling lidar, an irradiance spectrometer, an imaging spectrometer, and a thermal camera. The scanning lidar operates at 1550 nm with a swath width of 387 m, while the profiling lidar operates at 905 nm. The irradiance spectrometer has a spectral range of 350-1,100 nm and an acquisition rate of 1 Hz, whereas the imaging spectrometer covers 420-950 nm at 50 Hz. The thermal camera covers 8-14 μm, has a swath width of 173 m, and an acquisition rate of 25 Hz. G-LiHT data have a spatial resolution of 1 meter.
Earth Science > Land Surface > Topography > Terrain Elevation
The High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) is an airborne lidar system developed by NASA's Langley Research Center. HALO operates at four wavelengths (1645, 1064, 935, and 532 nm) and combines Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) and High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) to measure lidar backscatter and depolarization ratio. It provides vertical profiles of aerosol and cloud optical properties, atmospheric water vapor, and methane at a data rate of 2 Hz. HALO has a nominal spatial resolution of 12 km horizontally and 315 m vertically at an altitude of 10 km.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
MethaneAIR is an airborne imaging spectrometer designed as a simulator for the MethaneSAT satellite instrument. It includes two imaging spectrometers, one operating from 1592 to 1680 nm and the other from 1236 to 1319 nm. The longer-wavelength spectrometer detects methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption at 1.65 and 1.61 μm, respectively, while the other measures oxygen (O₂) absorption at 1.27 μm to constrain the optical path. It provides measurements of the total-column dry-air mole fractions of CH4 and CO2, as well as retrievals of total-column amounts to identify regional and large-scale emission sources. MethaneAIR has a nominal spatial resolution of 5 x 25 meters and a frame rate of 10 Hz.
The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer - 3rd Generation (AVIRIS-3) is an airborne imaging spectrometer developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). AVIRIS-3 is the third version of the NASA AVIRIS spectrometers, following AVIRIS-C and AVIRIS-NG. It features a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), finer spatial sampling, and a wider swath than previous versions. It provides radiance and reflectance measurements across the 380-2500 nm spectral range at a 7.5 nm spectral resolution. AVIRIS-3 operates at a measurement frequency of 200 Hz and offers spatial sampling from 0.5 to 13 meters.
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser operates at 1603 nm, while 1651 nm is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes in gas concentrations.
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratios, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
The 2B Technologies Ozone (O3) Monitor is an in situ dual-beam ozone monitor suitable for airborne and ground-based platforms. It measures O3 concentration using dual-beam ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 254 nm. The device has a detection range of 0 to 20 ppm, a resolution of 0.1 ppb, and provides measurements every 2 seconds. Its operating temperature range is 0 to 50 degrees Celsius, and its altitude range is approximately 0 to 13.5 km.
Generic-Radiometers refer to non-specific radiometers on a platform. These are typically passive microwave radiometers that measure brightness temperature. Radiometers can be used to retrieve temperature and water vapor profiles, soil moisture content, ocean salinity, precipitation and cloud properties, and vegetation.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
The Aircraft-Integrated Meteorological Measurement System (AIMMS) is an in situ airborne sensor developed by Aventech Research, Inc. It measures the aircraft's position, altitude, temperature, relative humidity, static pressure, and three-dimensional wind vector. The system comprises an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Global Positioning System (GPS), Air Data Probe (ADP), and a central processing module (CPM) that processes GPS data. AIMMS provides data at rates up to 20 Hz and operates over a temperature range of -20 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
A Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer (TDLAS) is an in situ optical spectrometer used on aircraft or on the ground. TDLAS detects wavelength-dependent absorption of light to measure concentrations of various trace gases. It can also determine the temperature, pressure, velocity, and mass flux of the gas species, when applicable. TDLAS typically has a time resolution of 1 second.
The Programmable Flask Package (PFP) is an airborne whole-air sampler that includes twelve glass flasks for collecting air samples. These samples are analyzed to monitor chemical species such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons. Each flask is sampled for about 2 minutes and then pressurized to 40 PSI. PFP can also be used for surface-based whole-air sampling.
The Micro-pulse Doppler (MicroDop) Lidar is a scanning Doppler lidar system operated by the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory. It measures lidar backscatter at approximately 1.5 μm to provide profiles of horizontal winds and aerosol backscatter intensity (ABI). MicroDop has a vertical resolution of 33.6 m, a maximum range of 7 km, and a typical temporal resolution of 2 Hz. It can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and ground-based platforms.
LI-COR Gas Analyzers are in situ gas analyzers manufactured by LI-COR. They can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, vehicles, balloons, and ground-based platforms. They measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O). Most models use Optical Feedback-Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (OF-CEAS) to collect measurements. LI-COR gas analyzers typically operate at 1 Hz and have an operating temperature range of -25 to 45 degrees Celsius.
Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform that measure atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser operates at 1603 nm, while 1651 nm is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes in gas concentrations.
The Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS), developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies, is an in situ spectrometer deployable on airborne and ground-based platforms to measure aerosol size distribution and concentration. It determines particle size by detecting peak light signals from aerosol particles illuminated by a 1054 nm laser. It samples particles in the 60–1000 nm size range and operates at a sampling frequency of 10 Hz.
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, including nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to obtain a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
A Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer (TDLAS) is an in situ optical spectrometer used on aircraft or on the ground. TDLAS detects wavelength-dependent absorption of light to measure concentrations of various trace gases. It can also determine the temperature, pressure, velocity, and mass flux of the gas species, when applicable. TDLAS typically has a time resolution of 1 second.
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It provides spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research-flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be deployed on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, supporting a range of atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The Langley Aerosol Research Group Experiment (LARGE) is an in situ airborne instrument suite that measures aerosol and cloud microphysical and optical properties, including size distribution, number concentration, and scattering and absorption coefficients. LARGE includes the Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS), Particle-Into-Liquid Sampler (PILS), Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP), Cloud and Aerosol Spectrometer (CAS), Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP), and additional cloud and aerosol sensors. The LARGE instruments operate over the 450-700 nm wavelength range, detect particles from 0.003 to 20 μm, and measure at 1 Hz. It is primarily used for airborne measurements but can also be deployed on ground-based platforms, such as vehicles.
The Diode Laser Hygrometer (DLH) is an in situ airborne hygrometer developed by NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses tunable diode laser absorption to measure atmospheric water vapor. DLH operates in the near-infrared at around 1.4 μm and has a measurement rate of 100 Hz. It provides accurate water vapor measurements even when flying through clouds.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity > Relative Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) are in situ sensors that measure aerosol particle concentrations. CPCs work by condensing a fluid onto particles, causing them to grow to sizes detectable by optical scattering. Typically, CPCs detect particles from 7 nm to 3 μm, measure concentrations up to 100,000 particles per cubic centimeter, and provide readings every second. CPCs are manufactured by TSI Incorporated and can be used on airborne, shipborne, and ground-based platforms.
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Aerodyne Research. It uses quadrupole mass spectrometry to measure aerosol chemical composition and properties. It detects particles ranging from 40 nm to 1 micron in size and provides a time resolution of up to 10 Hz. It can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, mobile laboratories, or other ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform that measure atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer that measures column amounts of atmospheric trace gases. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy to retrieve ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral range at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can perform both direct-sun and all-sky radiance measurements, with an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is part of the Pandonia Global Network, a network of identical instruments.
The Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) is an interagency initiative established in 2012 by NASA, NOAA, and USEPA. TOLNet provides high-temporal-resolution measurements of tropospheric ozone profiles to support air quality research and satellite validation. It includes several lidar systems across North America: the JPL Table Mountain Facility (TMF) tropospheric ozone lidar, the NOAA Tunable Optical Profiler for Aerosol and oZone (TOPAZ) lidar, the University of Alabama in Huntsville Rocket City Ozone Quality Evaluation in the Troposphere (RO3QET), Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Autonomous Mobile Ozone LIDAR Instrument for Tropospheric Experiments (AMOLITE), the City College of New York Tropospheric Ozone Lidar System (NYTOLS), the GSFC TROPospheric OZone (TROPOZ) DIAL, the Langley Mobile Ozone Lidar (LMOL), and the Hampton University Lidar Laboratory. The mobile systems within TOLNet can be deployed in the field to provide collocated ozone measurements alongside balloon and airborne sensors.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Tropospheric Ozone
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratios, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
The Rapid OZone Experiment (ROZE) is an airborne in situ instrument that measures ozone concentrations in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. It employs incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) to determine ozone concentrations within the sampled volume. ROZE uses a light-emitting diode (LED) at 265 nm in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. ROZE operates at a sampling rate of 10 Hz with an accuracy of 6.2%.
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser operates at 1603 nm, while 1651 nm is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes in gas concentrations.
The Compact Airborne NO2 Experiment (CANOE) is an in situ analyzer developed at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). It uses non-resonant laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2) throughout the troposphere and lower stratosphere. A 532 nm laser detects fluorescence from NO2 molecules to determine the concentration. CANOE provides measurements at 1 Hz.
The Compact Airborne Formaldehyde Experiment (CAFE) is an in situ airborne instrument that measures formaldehyde (CH2O). It uses non-resonant laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to measure CH2O in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. CAFE uses a 355 nm laser to excite CH2O and detect its fluorescence between 420 and 550 nm. It has a typical sampling rate of 1 Hz and achieves a precision of 160 pptv at zero pptv CH2O.
The Aircraft-Integrated Meteorological Measurement System (AIMMS) is an in situ airborne sensor developed by Aventech Research, Inc. It measures the aircraft's position, altitude, temperature, relative humidity, static pressure, and three-dimensional wind vector. The system comprises an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Global Positioning System (GPS), Air Data Probe (ADP), and a central processing module (CPM) that processes GPS data. AIMMS provides data at rates up to 20 Hz and operates over a temperature range of -20 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
The Turbulent Air Motion Measurement System (TAMMS) is an in situ airborne sensor that collects aircraft navigation data. TAMMS comprises several subsystems, including pressure transducers and temperature sensors, an aircraft inertial navigation system, a central data acquisition system, and water vapor and other gas sensors. It provides measurements of aircraft position, flight-level winds, temperature, pressure, and water vapor. TAMMS has a typical sampling frequency of less than 1 second and a spatial resolution of 5 meters.
