NASA's Curious Universe Earth Series: Monitoring the Air We Breathe
May 6, 2025
Paul Newman, an Emeritus scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and Laura Judd, a pollution specialist at NASA's Langley Research Center, dive into the crucial role of the ozone layer in protecting us from harmful UV radiation. Newman shares the alarming history of ozone depletion caused by CFCs and the global efforts to combat it through the Montreal Protocol. Judd offers insights on innovative air quality monitoring techniques using satellites and aircraft, especially in urban areas like New York and Chicago, exploring the challenges and advancements in atmospheric science.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ozone Layer's Vital Role
- The ozone layer absorbs harmful UV radiation, protecting life on Earth by converting it into heat.
- Its ability to regenerate after absorbing UV photons makes it a crucial, self-healing atmospheric shield.
Discovery of Ozone Depletion
- Paul Newman described first hearing about thinning ozone as unexpected and perplexing.
- Initial skepticism gave way as NASA's Antarctic Airborne Ozone Expedition provided crucial data.
CFCs Destroy Ozone
- CFCs released by humans rise to the stratosphere where UV breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms.
- One chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules, causing ozone depletion.