DSCOVR EPIC: Cloud and Atmospheric Data from Deep Space

DSCOVR satellite data from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) provides global atmospheric observations from the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange point. The dataset includes derived Level 2 products for ozone, sulfur dioxide, aerosol index, cloud mask, cloud height, and cloud optical thickness, generated using algorithms exploiting oxygen A- and B-band pairs. These products are archived at NASA's Atmospheric Science Data Center (ASDC) to support climate research and atmospheric studies.

Use Cases

• Developing cloud detection algorithms based on multichannel EPIC observations.
• Retrieving cloud optical thickness by combining EPIC 680 nm observations with numerical weather model outputs.
• Validating satellite-derived atmospheric products by comparing EPIC retrievals with LEO and GEO satellite counterparts.
• Calibrating O2 A- and B-band absorption channels by tracking instrument performance over known targets like cloud-free ocean surfaces.
• Analyzing global atmospheric composition trends using derived ozone and sulfur dioxide products.

Strengths

• Products are derived using specific, physics-based algorithms exploiting oxygen band pairs at 780/779.5 nm and 680/687.75 nm.
• Data is archived at NASA's authoritative Atmospheric Science Data Center (ASDC) at Langley Research Center.
• Validation involves cross-comparison with observations from coexisting Low Earth Orbit and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellites.
• The dataset's cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData signals its established importance for the research community.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and specific column names are not provided across any source.
• The 'last updated' date of 2026-04-10 appears inconsistent as it is a future date, casting doubt on metadata accuracy.
• Documentation gaps exist, as the full Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD) is a proposed deliverable, not confirmed as available.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission, Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC).

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing observations processed into Level 2 geophysical products using proposed retrieval algorithms.

Freshness

2026-04-10 03:49:24.639946

Geography

Global coverage from the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange point.