A Japanese astronomer recently spotted something quite unusual in the sky – green streaks of light passing over a cloudy night. After further investigation, it was revealed that these lights were shot out by NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite as part of its mission to measure Earth’s ice sheets and sea levels.
NASA launched the ICESat-2 satellite in 2018 to collect data on how our planet is changing due to climate change. The instrument used for this purpose is called ATLAS (Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System), which shoots laser beams at Earth’s surface from an altitude of approximately 300 miles (483 km). These lasers then reflect off the surface and are measured by detectors on board the spacecraft, allowing scientists to create detailed maps showing changes in elevation over time.
The sighting made by this Japanese astronomer has been confirmed as being related to NASA’s ICESat-2 mission, making it one more example that shows just how advanced space technology has become today. It also serves as a reminder about how important it is for us all to pay attention and take action when it comes to protecting our environment from climate change before things get worse than they already are!
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