Aerosols
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). Students point a GLOBE sun photometer at the sun and record the largest voltage reading they obtain on a digital voltmeter connected to the photometer. Students observe sky conditions near the sun, perform the Cloud, Barometric Pressure and Relative Humidity Protocols, and measure current air temperature.
Air Temperature
Measure the current air temperature when an instrument shelter is not available. Current air temperature is measured using a thermometer held in the open air but in the shade for at least 3 minutes.
Barometric Pressure
Students use an aneroid barometer to measure barometric pressure in support of the Aerosols and Water Vapor Protocols.
Clouds
Observe and report which types of clouds are visible, how much of the sky is covered by clouds, and the opacity of clouds. Also report sky and surface conditions. Each observation is matched to satellite data of clouds taken about the same time and location. 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 observe while a satellite is overhead, you can then receive an email from NASA comparing your observations to satellite data.
Precipitation
To determine the amount of moisture input to the local environment by measuring rain and snowfall and to measure the pH of precipitation.
Relative Humidity
Students measure the relative humidity using either a digital hygrometer or a sling psychrometer.
Surface Temperature
Students use an infrared thermometer (IRT) to measure the temperature of Earth's surface.
Water Vapor
Students use a near-infrared sun photometer to measure the amount of sunlight reaching the ground at wavelengths that are correlated to water vapor.
Wind
Instructions for making an ozone measurement station and wind direction instrument.