MLS/Aura Near-Real-Time Nitric Acid Profiles from Satellite

Near-real-time nitric acid (HNO3) profiles derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) satellite, typically available within 3 hours of observation. The data provides near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude and vertical coverage from 100 to 1.47 hPa, with profiles spaced ~165 km along the orbit track. This product is generated by NASA using a simplified algorithm to meet latency requirements and is scientifically useful when screened according to provided documentation.

Use Cases

• Monitoring rapid changes in stratospheric nitric acid based on near-real-time data latency.
• Studying global distribution of HNO3 based on near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Analyzing vertical profiles of atmospheric composition based on data from 100 to 1.47 hPa pressure levels.
• Investigating polar atmospheric chemistry based on data screening recommendations for selected regions.

Strengths

• Data is typically available within 3 hours of observation, enabling timely analysis.
• Provides near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Vertical coverage spans from 100 to 1.47 hPa pressure levels.
• Profiles are spaced approximately 165 km along the orbit track, offering systematic sampling.

Limitations

• The near-real-time algorithm uses a simplified model and is stated to be less accurate than the standard MLS products.
• Data requires specific screening according to user guides for scientific usefulness.
• Only the most recent 7 days of data are available online, limiting historical analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument measurements at 190 and 240 GHz.

Time Range

Rolling 7-day window of near-real-time observations.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 00:01:13.420250; data is near-real-time with a rolling 7-day window.

Geography

Near-global coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.