GOME-2

The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2) is a new-generation spectrometer onboard all three of the satellites in ESA’s MetOp mission. The three GOME-2 instruments continue the long-term monitoring of atmospheric ozone started by other, largely Dutch, earth observation spectrometers GOME, SCIAMACHY and OMI. The more advanced GOME-2 design is set to make a significant contribution toward climate and atmospheric research while providing near real-time data for use in air quality forecasting. 

 

 

GOME-2 global atmospheric data image: KNMI

MetOp is a series of three polar-orbiting satellites dedicated to providing data for operational meteorology. The GOME-2 scanning spectrometers capture light reflected from the Earth's surface and atmosphere and split it into different wavelengths that reveal absorption lines corresponding to certain gasses present in the observed sample. The spectrometers will map concentrations of atmospheric ozone as well as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, other trace gases and ultraviolet radiation. GOME-2 will provide scientists crucial data for monitoring stratospheric ozone and atmospheric pollutants to maintain a health-check on the Earth's atmosphere.

 

The Netherlands and GOME-2

TNO developed and built GOME-2’s calibration unit and also performed the instrument’s on-ground calibration. SRON and KNMI contribute in orbit calibration to the project in consultation with TNO. KNMI is also responsible for creating usable MetOp data for use world-wide. The TU Delft, Dutch Space and KNMI also work together on an International Training Center (ITC) that will provide data and more importantly data interpretation skills to people of 3^rd world nations.