University of Saskatchewan

Published purpose

Aerosols and clouds play a critical role in the atmosphere with links to climate, weather, and air quality. While satellite observations have provided global information, questions remain particularly considering the changing climate and the influence of human activity on the atmosphere. The Aerosol Limb Imager (ALI) instrument is a prototype of a satellite sensor that takes images of volcanic plumes, forest fire smoke, stratospheric aerosols, and thin cirrus clouds in the Earth's atmosphere. The project will continue to advance the ALI concept by taking new aerosol measurements from a stratospheric balloon. The nature of the project, including aspects of instrument design, test, flight, and data analysis, provides the opportunity for students and for the other team members to be involved with nearly all phases of the project and to experience end-to-end space science and technology training.