Accurate Measurements of Energy from Sun and Understanding of Climate Change

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Rashid Faridi

The device is scheduled to launch next month on NASA's Glory spacecraft. (Credit: NASA)

Scientists have taken a major step toward accurately determining the amount of energy that the sun provides to Earth, and how variations in that energy may contribute to climate change.In a new study of laboratory and satellite data, researchers report a lower value of that energy, known as total solar irradiance, than previously measured and demonstrate that the satellite instrument that made the measurement — which has a new optical design and was calibrated in a new way — has significantly improved the accuracy and consistency of such measurements…

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Posted in climate change, Energy, Solar System | Leave a comment

Dust in Earth’s atmosphere is increasing and contributing to climate change

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Rashid Faridi

Desert dust and climate influence each other directly and indirectly through a host of intertwined systems. (Credit: Image courtesy of Cornell University)

The amount of dust in the Earth’s atmosphere has doubled over the last century, according to a new study; and the dramatic increase is influencing climate and ecology around the world.

The study, led by Natalie Mahowald, associate professor of earth and atmospheric sciences, used available data and computer modeling to estimate the amount of desert dust, or soil particles in the atmosphere, throughout the 20th century. Desert dust and climate influence each other directly and indirectly through a host of intertwined systems. Dust limits the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth, for example, a factor that could mask the warming effects of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It also can influence clouds and precipitation, leading to droughts; which, in turn, leads to desertification and more dust.

source:

ENN

Sciencedaily

Posted in climate change, Environment | Leave a comment

Hottest Year in India

Posted on January 15, 2011 by Rashid Faridi

India experienced its hottest year on record in 2010, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday, blaming the rise in temperatures on global warming.

India’s mean annual temperature during 2010 was 0.93 degrees Celsius (33.6 Fahrenheit) higher than the long term (1961-1990) average, according to the Annual Climate Summary of India during 2010.

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2010 ties 2005 for warmest year on record: US

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ISRO, India set to Implement regional navigation (GPS) atellite system

Posted on January 15, 2011 by Rashid Faridi

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to implement the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) to provide India and neighbouring countries with the Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) service, S.V. Kibe, Brahmprakash Professor in the ISRO Headquarters, Bangalore, said .The government had approved the project, which would be implemented in the next few years. Initially, the system would have seven satellites and then 11, he said, addressing the SpaceSummit at the 98th Indian Science Congress at Kattankulathur.

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Posted in GPS, India, Satellites | Leave a comment