How COSMIC Satellites See the Atmosphere

Students will learn how the COSMIC satellites collect data about the atmosphere by measuring bending radio waves. Electromagnetic radiation, including light and radio waves, bends when it passes through substances with different densities. The amount of bending of radio waves beamed from one satellite to another allows scientists to measure traits of the atmosphere, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, at different heights.
Resources

Lesson Plan

Partner

Grade Levels: 6-8

Duration: 60 minutes

Concepts/Skills: Electromagnetic Radiation, Layers of the Earth's Atmosphere, Developing and Using Models, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, Constructing Evidence, Satellites, Weather

Objectives:

  • Students will learn that electromagnetic radiation, including light and radio waves, bends when it passes through substances with different densities.
  • The amount of bending of radio waves beamed from one satellite to another allows scientists to measure traits of the atmosphere, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, at different heights.