Hidmostein

Meet Paul Smith: A passionate night-sky enthusiast and skilled photographer captivated by an extraordinary phenomenon known as sprites. These dazzling bursts of light dance far above thunderstorms, and last October, Paul led Dr. Burcu Kosar, a NASA scientist, on an adventurous journey through Oklahoma's rural routes to witness these elusive marvels firsthand. Despite Dr. Kosar's 15-year devotion to studying sprites, the experience of chasing one had eluded her until then. Discover more about their thrilling sprite-chasing escapade: https://blogs.nasa.gov/sunspot/2022/10/27/the-great-sprites-chase

Collaboratively spearheaded by NASA and the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), an innovative Earth science initiative is set to revolutionize future community planning. This visionary project aims to survey the globe's salt and freshwater bodies, offering insights crucial for addressing imminent challenges. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission stands at the forefront of this effort, utilizing advanced technology to gauge water heights in oceans, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. As the impact of climate change accelerates the planet's water cycle, a divide emerges: some regions grapple with excessive water, while others confront alarming droughts. In response, SWOT data emerges as a vital tool for enhancing flood prediction models and monitoring drought conditions. These invaluable insights will be pivotal for water management agencies, civil engineers, universities, disaster preparedness organizations, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other stakeholders invested in local water dynamics.