Atmosphere

Aerosols

Protocol

Aerosols (pdf)

Using this protocol, you can measure the aerosol optical thickness of the atmosphere (how much of the Sun’s light is scattered or absorbed by particles suspended in the air). Using a digital voltmeter connected to a photometer, you can point a GLOBE Sun photometer at the Sun and record the largest voltage reading. You can also observe sky conditions near the Sun; perform the Cloud, Barometric Pressure and Relative Humidity protocols; and measure current air temperature.

Protocols to help in completion of the main protocol.
Barometric Pressure (pdf)

This protocol describes how to use an aneroid barometer to measure barometric pressure in support of the Aerosols and Water Vapor protocols. 

Clouds Protocol (pdf)

This protocol describes how to observe and report which types of clouds are visible, how much of the sky is covered by clouds, and the opacity of clouds, as well as sky and surface conditions. Cloud observations can be taken at any time! This protocol is designed to be flexible and fit into your schedule, classifying, observing, and reporting cloud observations when it works for you. If you record observations while a satellite is overhead, you may then receive an email from NASA comparing your surface-level observations to satellite observations from above.​​​​​​​

NASA Support Page for GLOBE Clouds and Satellite Comparison
Your cloud observations help NASA to better understand the different types of clouds and the effects they have on Earth’s climate. NASA matches cloud observations to corresponding satellite data. Satellites only see the top of the clouds while you see the bottom. By putting these two vantage points together, we get a much more complete picture of clouds in the atmosphere.

Find satellite overpass times by accessing the NASA Cloud Satellite Portal.

Integrated Atmosphere Site Set-up and Documentation Protocol (pdf)
Maximum, Minimum, and Current Temperature (pdf)

This protocol describes how to measure the current air temperature when an instrument shelter is not available. Current air temperature can be measured using a thermometer held in the open air but in the shade for at least 3 minutes. 

Relative Humidity Protocol (pdf)

This protocol guides you in measuring the relative humidity using either a digital hygrometer or a sling psychrometer. 

Surface Temperature Protocol (pdf)

This protocol describes the use of an infrared thermometer (IRT) to measure the temperature of Earth's surface. 

Activities to help students learn more about the instruments and protocols.
Atmosphere Learning Activities Introduction (pdf)
Calculating Relative Air Mass (pdf)
Students are introduced to the concepts of solar elevation angle and relative air mass and learn how to determine relative air mass from measurements of solar elevation angle.
Draw Your Own Visualization (pdf)
Students draw a visualization and learn about all the design choices involved and how these choices affect what is communicated by the visualization.
Learning to Use Visualizations - An Example with Elevation and Temperature (pdf)
Students use visualizations to explore the relation between elevation and temperature and begin learning how to make important patterns evident in visualizations.
Making a Sundial (pdf)
Students study the movement of the sun during the day by making quantitative observations of the direction and length of the shadow cast by a stick (known as a solar gnomon).
Observing Visibility and Sky Color (pdf)
Students observe sky color and learn to associate color with the presence or absence of aerosols.

Additional documents or tools related to the protocol.