2008 Sees Fifth Largest Ozone Hole

The ozone hole over Antarctica, which fluctuates in response to temperature and sunlight, grew to the size of North America in a one-day maximum in September that was the fifth largest on record, since NOAA satellite records began in 1979. NOAA scientists, who have monitored the ozone layer since 1962, have determined that this year's ozone hole has passed its seasonal peak for 2008. more...

Pegasus Rocket Launches Satellite to Predict Communication Outages

An experimental Air Force satellite designed to monitor the Earth's ionosphere and foresee impending communication disruptions was successfully deployed into space Wednesday by an Orbital Sciences air-launched Pegasus rocket. more...

US Air Force Bird Avoidance Model (BAM)

United States Bird Avoidance Model (USBAM) program objective was to develop a predictive bird avoidance model using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology as a key tool for analysis and correlation of bird habitat, migration, and breeding characteristics, combined with key environmental, and man-made geospatial data. The United States Air Force has developed a predictive Bird Avoidance Model (BAM) using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology as a key tool for analysis and correlation of bird habitat, migration, and breeding characteristics, combined with key environmental, and man-made geospatial data. More...