Wildfires 101_ How NASA Studies Fires in a Changing World

NASA studies wildfires using a combination of satellite technology, airborne instruments, and ground-based measurements. Satellites like the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) can detect fire hotspots and monitor their spread. Airborne instruments, like the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), provide high-resolution data on fire behavior and emissions.

NASA also employs computer models to simulate fire behavior and smoke dispersion. This information helps researchers understand the impact of wildfires on the atmosphere, climate, and air quality. The data collected by NASA's tools and technologies contribute to better wildfire prediction, management, and understanding of their role in the Earth's ecosystems and global systems.