MLS/Aura NRT L2 Temperature: Near-Global Atmospheric Profiles

Near-real-time temperature profiles from the Aura satellite's Microwave Limb Sounder, available within 3 hours of observation. NASA provides this data with near-global coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude and vertical coverage from 215 to 0.001 hPa. The algorithm uses a simplified fast forward model to meet latency requirements, making it scientifically useful in selected atmospheric regions when screened appropriately.

Use Cases

• Monitoring rapid atmospheric temperature changes based on near-real-time data availability within 3 hours.
• Analyzing vertical temperature structure from 215 to 0.001 hPa for climate model validation.
• Studying latitudinal temperature variations based on near-global coverage from -82 to +82 degrees.
• Assessing algorithm performance for fast retrievals compared to standard scientific products.

Strengths

• Data latency of approximately 3 hours from observation supports time-sensitive applications.
• Near-global spatial coverage spans latitudes from -82 to +82 degrees.
• Vertical coverage extends across a wide pressure range from 215 to 0.001 hPa.

Limitations

• The near-real-time algorithm uses a simplified model and is described as less accurate than standard products.
• Data requires specific screening per user guides for scientific usefulness in selected regions.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) 118 GHz region.

Time Range

Most recent 7 days of data are available online.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13; data from the most recent 7 days is available online.

Geography

Near-global coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude, with profiles spaced ~165 km along the orbit track.