Solar Transmissometer Aerosol Optical Thickness Data from FIFE

NASA's Solar Transmissometer Aerosol Optical Thickness Data Set provides measurements of atmospheric aerosol effects across 8 wavelength bands in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Data were collected using ground-based instruments at two stations during field campaigns in June-July 1987 and July-August 1989 as part of the FIFE study. This dataset supports atmospheric correction of remote sensing data and analysis of aerosol particle size distribution.

Use Cases

• Atmospheric correction of satellite remotely sensed data using radiative transfer models.
• Studying aerosol particle size distribution across specific wavelength bands.
• Inferring the optical clarity of the atmosphere for specific time periods.
• Supporting research on aerosol attenuation of solar radiation.

Strengths

• Contains measurements at 8 discrete wavelength bands for detailed spectral analysis.
• Data collected during two multi-month field campaigns (1987 and 1989) at two stations.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA and government portals indicates established scientific use.

Limitations

• Exact row count, column names, and dataset size are not specified in any source.
• Conflicting last updated dates: datagov lists 2026-03-12, while nasa_earthdata lists 1989-10 31.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected using a ground-based solar transmissometer.

Time Range

June-July 1987 and July-August 1989

Freshness

2026-03-12 22:54:41.678536

Geography

Two stations in the FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) study area.