The von Kármán Lecture Series: 2007

Hot Topic, Cool Science: The Greenhouse Effect and the Orbiting Carbon Observatory

Apr. 12 & 13, 2007

Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere by fossil fuel combustion and other human activities. The year 2005 saw atmospheric carbon dioxide climb to its highest level in the last 500,000 years - raising concers about increased greenhouse forcing of Earth's climate. NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory mission will address these concerns by collecting precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere and revolutionizing our understanding of the global carbon cycle. Come learn how the Obirting Carbon Observatory will measure your carbon footprint.