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SCIAMACHY
The
SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter
for Atmospheric CHartographY) instrument is a 8 channel
grating spectrometer covering the spectral range from the UV to the NIR at
moderate spectral resolution. It observes the solar radiation scattered by the
atmosphere and reflected on the surface. A special feature of SCIAMACHY is the
alternating between limb and nadir measurements, facilitating the measurement of
both vertical profiles from the mesosphere down to the upper troposphere at low
spatial resolution and the measurement of total columns at high spatial
resolution (up to 30 x 60 km2 depending on wavelength and solar elevation). Due
to a unique matching between limb and nadir measurements (see animation), the
scans can be combined to provide tropospheric columns. Where possible, SCIAMACHY
is also performing solar and lunar occultation measurements.
SCIAMACHY was launched on board of ENVISAT on March 1st, 2002 and nadir measurements are available since August 2002.
Using the DOAS method, atmospheric columns of NO2, BrO, SO2, HCHO, and OClO are retrieved from SCIAMACHY nadir measurements at the IUP Bremen. Use the navigation on the left to browse through the description of the individual products. Data and images can be found in our data archive.
More on the instrument, the mission concept and scientific products can be found on the IUP SCIAMACHY page; limb and IR data products are available at the IUP SCIAMACHY data centre. For information on the satellite and other ENVISAT instruments check the ESA ENVISAT page. More SCIAMACHY scientific products can be found at the Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Heidelberg and on the TEMIS web site.