RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Happy Earth Day! Our CBS 17 Storm team celebrates Earth every day, and today it's at the forefront.
From the ocean to the Mississippi River in its heartland, Earth Day has brought about major changes to the planet since the holiday began in 1970.
“What we're really seeing with climate change is that it's not just a change in the average amount; it's not just that it's getting a little bit hotter, but it's also a change in these extreme conditions. We're really seeing that in the changes, and that's what people are feeling,” said Dr. Allison Leidner, NASA Earth Activities Program Manager.
Last year was the hottest year on record around the world and in the Triangle. But thanks to a new satellite, NASA is focusing this year's Earth Day on the ocean.
Previously, NASA satellites could only see four different hues in the ocean. Well, for NASA scientists, the ocean is believed to have more than four different shades.
“The ocean looks blue to us, but there are actually small green swirls in the ocean. These green swirls are phytoplankton, which are the basis of the marine food chain. They behave like plants, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing energy,” Dr Leidner added.
The new satellite can see more than 200 colors.
“This gives us a whole new way of looking at the ocean and revealing details about how it works,” Dr Leidner said.
This Earth Day, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our planet. Habitable planets don't appear very often.
“One of the things we can really do on Earth Day is help people understand that while there's a lot we know about the Earth, there's also a lot we don't know. “Learn more about the world around them,'' Dr. Leidner said.
For more information about the PACE satellite and NASA's efforts on Earth Day, visit nasa.gov/earth.
