NASA | Planetary Scientist Profile: Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson, lab chief at NASA Goddard, discusses the challenges of measuring carbon emissions and the development of miniaturized instruments like the mini LHR. These instruments aim to create a low-cost global network for measuring greenhouse gases. Partnering with Aeronet, NASA plans to deploy these instruments worldwide. The video highlights the field testing process and NASA's broader Earth science initiatives to combat climate change.

What is one of the main challenges in understanding carbon emissions?

• Lack of technology to measure carbon

• Insufficient data on natural carbon sources

• Limited interest from scientific communities

• Inability to track man-made carbon sources

What is the mini LHR and what is its purpose?

• A tool for measuring soil moisture

• A device to track oceanic currents

• A miniaturized instrument to measure greenhouse gases

• A satellite to monitor weather patterns

How does the mini LHR work in conjunction with Aeronet?

• By monitoring ocean temperatures

• By collecting soil samples for analysis

• By integrating with Aeronet's sun photometer to measure greenhouse gases

• By using satellite data to track aerosols

What is a significant part of Emily Wilson's job at NASA?

• Designing space missions

• Testing instruments in the field

• Managing satellite launches

• Developing new software

What is a common misconception about NASA's work?

• NASA only works on satellite technology

• NASA is not involved in climate change research

• NASA does not engage in Earth science

• NASA only focuses on space exploration