NASA's TEMPO Mission Data Story: A Leap Forward in Public Access to Air Quality Information

In an unprecedented move towards environmental transparency and public engagement, NASA alongside the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian announced on May 30th, 2024, that it is making real-time air quality data from NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) mission accessible to everyone. This marks a hallmark moment for communities across North America as they gain critical information about their local air quality at an unparalleled resolution.

The intricate scale of TEMPO's data sheds light on air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a concerning byproduct of fossil fuel combustion that exacerbates respiratory ailments like asthma. Scientists have had access to this type of data for research and policy recommendations, but for the first time, these data are translated for public use through the Cosmic Data Stories program, thereby empowering communities with scientific knowledge.

NASA's Cosmic Data Stories team, under the helm of experts from Harvard University, has curated an interactive and educational experience that takes users through a journey of air quality understanding. The newly crafted "Data Story" — available on TEMPO's public-facing webpage — includes a suite of scientifically robust yet approachable resources, including videos and narrative texts. These tools are designed not only to inform but also to spark curiosity and facilitate exploration of local and regional air quality patterns.

As community members delve into the TEMPO Data Story, they can answer pressing questions about the temporal and spatial variability of NO2 emissions. They gain insights into the potential sources of NO2, examine how their air quality compares to that of similarsized communities, and learn about the differentiating factors between urban and rural pollution levels.

The effort to democratize this sophisticated air quality data stems from a collaboration with TEMPO scientists Xiong Liu and Caroline Nowlan, who provided early access and expertise to the project. Nowlan hails the initiative as a bridge between complex scientific data and everyday relevance, underscoring the importance for not only scientists but also for the public and policymakers to understand the intricacies of air pollution.

This initiative reinforces NASA's commitment to public science literacy and is a compelling example of how big data can be harnessed for community wellbeing and policy-shaping in real time. With hourly daytime scans of atmospheric conditions, TEMPO's hyper-local data paves the way for communities to advocate for and enact changes towards healthier environments.

As the TEMPO Data Story garners attention, it serves as a flagship operation for the Cosmic Data Stories program, championing public access to scientific data. It demonstrates the transformative potential of scientific storytelling in influencing public perception and action towards complex environmental issues.