A General Introduction to MISR

Most satellite instruments look only straight down, or toward the edge of the planet. To fully understand Earth's climate, and to determine how it may be changing, we need to know the amount of sunlight that is scattered in different directions under natural conditions. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) is a new type of instrument, which is designed to address this issue. It views Earth with cameras pointed in 9 different directions. This site features text, pictures, and animations that describe what MISR is and how it monitors trends in the amount and type of atmospheric particles; the amounts, types, and heights of clouds; and the distribution of land surface cover, including vegetation canopy. Educational levels: High school, Undergraduate lower division