MISR Shows South Atlantic Anomaly

Even before the cover opened, the MISR instrument began making scientific measurements. The MISR cameras, designed to detect visible light, are also sensitive to radiation in Earth’s upper atmosphere. With the cover closed, the effects of this radiation stand out. This map was created by specially processing MISR “dark” data taken over two weeks in February 2000, while the cover was still closed. The South Atlantic Anomaly, a region of high levels of radiation over the south Atlantic and parts of South America, is clearly visible.

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Image courtesy MISR instrument team

Published May 24, 2000
Data acquired February 3 - 16, 2000