Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

HEADLINES

UP atmospheric physicist takes to the skies with NASA

NASA817—more specifically the NASA DC-8 plane—is an airborne science laboratory based in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. It is flown to other parts of the world to gather data to support the research and experiments undertaken by the global scientific community.

By Maria Alexandra Marmol

Dr. Gerry Bagtasa of the UP Diliman College of Science – Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD – CS IESM) took flight with NASA last Sunday, February 11, 2024, as part of an air pollution measurement campaign called ASIA-AQ (Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality). 

NASA817—more specifically the NASA DC-8 plane—is an airborne science laboratory based in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. It is flown to other parts of the world to gather data to support the research and experiments undertaken by the global scientific community.

The objective of this particular series of flights with the Filipino team, consisting of DENR-EMB, the Manila Observatory, and Dr. Bagtasa, was to assess the air quality of multiple Asian cities by utilizing satellite remote sensors and air quality models. With the equipment of the modified Douglas DC-8 jetliner, they were able to observe the atmosphere and detect various pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, carbon dioxide, and methane, which are not usually locally measured above the ground.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“The purpose is to improve our understanding of the dynamics of air pollution in the region,” Dr. Bagtasa said. 

With the Filipino team, they were able to help plan the flights by providing air quality and weather forecasts. They also provided insights into local weather patterns, drawing from Dr. Bagtasa and the Manila Observatory’s recent publications and expertise in contextualizing the data being collected. 

An aerial view of a city

Description automatically generated

Flight path of the 8-hour trip around Metro Manila and surrounding regions flying alternately between 1000 ft and 10,000 ft. (Photo credit: Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, 2024)

The Experience

NASA817 flew four times to the Philippines on February 6, 7, 11, and 13, and for each flight, there were a few available seats for observers. Dr. Bagtasa and scientists of the Manila Observatory and DENR joined different flights, and of the 8-hour experience, the plane would constantly change altitudes from 1000 ft to 10,000 ft, then back again, to gather more data at different levels of elevation throughout the region.

“In almost any airplane ride, we encounter some brief bumpy to very bumpy, turbulent moments, right? Imagine that happening for 8 hours—the flight was brutal. I guess mainly due to the low-altitude nature of the flight,” Dr. Bagtasa commented. “And to make it more exciting, I experienced the hardest of hard turns and rolls in an airplane during the flight.” 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

With humor, he also went on to say, “Most of the researchers on the plane wear some transdermal patch behind the ear for motion sickness. I didn’t, and I was in the backmost seat. After around 5 – 6 hours into the flight, considering that I’ve been on probably >100 flights in my lifetime, it was my first time to throw up in a plane ride.”

(Photo credit: Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, 2024)

Despite the bumpy ride, the flights are crucial to the campaign, ASIA-AQ. NASA’s project presents an avenue for international cooperation, partnering with local scientists, researchers, and experts to implement a unified strategy across various Asian nations in addressing not only regional air quality concerns but also gaining a broader understanding of the interpretation of satellite data and air quality modeling. 

Dr. Bagtasa and the Manila Observatory partnered with the DENR to join the flights to provide their local knowledge on the air pollution of the country. While the data gathered on these trips are still being processed and have yet to be published, NASA817 will now move on to South Korea, taking measurements in Taiwan on the way. After Seoul, it will then fly to Malaysia and Thailand. After the ASIA-AQ campaign, the NASA DC8 will be retired.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Like Us On Facebook

You May Also Like

HEADLINES

PLDT and Smart’s full support for the recent Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival 2025 aligns with the PLDT Group’s commitment to fostering Cebuano faith...

HEADLINES

Acer secured a 34.2% market share in the consumer notebook category and a 40.6% market share in the gaming notebook category. This means that...

HEADLINES

Through the collaboration, OPPO will be the official mobile partner of CCP in its upcoming CCP University Roadshow, giving students an opportunity to enhance...

HEADLINES

Data from Packworks reveals over 175,000 stores actively transacted through its Sari.PH Pro app in 2024, representing a 32% increase from about 133,000 stores...

White Papers

According to the report, Iloilo stands out for its strong government support, with local policies and initiatives designed to foster startup growth, a model...

HEADLINES

In addition to providing grants and resources, the initiative will host activities and create platforms to foster innovation and collaboration in the local blockchain...

HEADLINES

Creativity and experience is a common AI activity theme among Filipinos with 48% using it for photo editing and 42% for both entertainment and...

HEADLINES

Converge will leverage Ribbon’s advanced Muse Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP) designed to maximize the value of IP Optical network investments through comprehensive control, analysis,...

Advertisement