This Week at NASA: Unprecedented Heat, High-Elevation Aircraft Studying Lightning, Rooftop Landing Exploration
In July 2023, NASA reports that Earth experienced a temperature increase of 1.18°C (2.12°F) compared to the average for the month, marking the warmest month in the 143-year historical record. Discover the reasons behind this exceptional heat wave in July 2023.
NASA’s airborne research vehicle is actively involved in investigating lightning phenomena from high altitudes. Moreover, it contributes to ensuring safe landing conditions for future air travel innovations.
Here are some of the highlights from the latest activities at NASA this week:
July 2023 Sets Temperature Record
NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies conducted research that reveals July 2023 to be 0.43 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than any previous July in NASA’s archives, as well as hotter than any other month in the global temperature history. NASA and NOAA, a collaborative partner agency, discussed this finding and addressed the evolving climate scenario in a press conference. Data from NASA indicates that the last five hottest Julys since 1880 have all occurred within the past five years.
Aircraft Expedition Probing Lightning
The ALOFT project’s researchers are utilizing NASA’s high-altitude ER-2 aircraft to delve into the mysteries of lightning and its relationship with the vast energy fields present in our atmosphere. The ER-2 aircraft can maneuver at a high altitude and approach thunderclouds as closely as safety permits, enabling the observation of gamma-ray activity within these clouds. This research generates detailed insights into high-energy radiation emissions from thunderstorms.
Studying Wind Patterns for Safe Landings
NASA’s AEROcAST flight campaign focuses on comprehending wind patterns to guarantee the secure landing of drones on rooftop hubs, known as vertiports. These vertiports are intended to facilitate future transportation of people and cargo. By employing drones, sensors, weather balloons, and advanced technology, the campaign measures wind conditions at altitudes below 2,000 feet and collects data to address uncertainties that might impede such flights. This ongoing campaign might also enhance weather forecasting capabilities.
TechRise Student Challenge: Inviting Experiment Ideas
NASA is reaching out to middle and high school students across the nation, inviting them to submit experiment concepts for a high-altitude balloon or a rocket-powered lander test flight as part of the third TechRise Student Challenge. Organized by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program and administered by Future Engineers, this challenge empowers student teams to actively engage in the design and creation of experiments for suborbital flights. For further information, visit futureengineers.org/nasatechrise.
These are the notable events from this week’s activities at NASA!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Climate
What is the significance of July 2023 in NASA’s update?
July 2023 marked a notable event as Earth experienced record-breaking heat, being 1.18°C (2.12°F) warmer than the monthly average. This temperature surge was unprecedented, making it the hottest month in the 143-year recorded history.
How did NASA’s aircraft contribute to lightning research?
NASA’s high-flying ER-2 aircraft was employed in the ALOFT project to study lightning. By flying at high altitudes and approaching thunderclouds safely, the aircraft collected data on gamma-ray activity within these clouds. This research offers insights into lightning behavior and high-energy radiation emissions from thunderstorms.
What is the focus of NASA’s AEROcAST flight campaign?
The AEROcAST campaign aims to study wind patterns for safe landings of drones on rooftop hubs (vertiports) designed for future transportation. This initiative uses drones, sensors, weather balloons, and advanced technology to gather wind data below 2,000 feet altitude and resolve uncertainties that could affect these types of flights.
What is the TechRise Student Challenge and who can participate?
The TechRise Student Challenge, organized by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program and administered by Future Engineers, invites middle and high school students across the nation to propose experiment ideas for high-altitude balloon or rocket-powered lander test flights. This opportunity enables students to engage in designing and building experiments for suborbital flights and innovation in aerospace.
More about Climate
- NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies
- ALOFT project
- AEROcAST flight campaign
- TechRise Student Challenge
2 comments
woah, July 2023 sizzled hot, earth really felt the heat! nasa’s bird in the sky, checkin’ out them lightning zaps, super cool! rooftops, drones, wind dance, all for safer landings, go nasa! kids, get your genius on, techrise sounds rad for high-flying fun!
july 2023, hottest ever? nasa says yep! planes flying high, gettin’ cozy with lightning, dat’s sum electrifyin’ science right there! rooftops turnin’ into launch pads? drones gettin’ the wind memo, smart move nasa! kids, listen up, nasa’s knockin’, time to brainstorm, fly high!