In 1985, scientists confirmed the existence of an "ozone hole"--a phenomenon in which the amount of ozone over Antarctica varied on an annual cycle, with significant depletion in winter months. Such depletion allowed greater penetration of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun to the Earth's surface, detrimentally affecting biological life.
This discovery led to scientific research to determine causes of the ozone hole.
The Middle Atmosphere High Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI) was one research response. In the 1990s, MAHRSI flew twice on the space shuttle. It measured amounts of ozone-destroying hydroxyl (OH) and nitric oxide (NO) in the middle atmosphere, aiding understanding of the processes of ozone production and depletion. It also yielded the first complete global maps of hydroxyl in that region.
This object flew in space and was donated by the Naval Research Laboratory to the Museum in 2014.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Scientific Devices
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Dimensions
Overall: 96.5 × 121.9 × 213.4cm, 217.7kg (3 ft. 2 in. × 4 ft. × 7 ft., 480lb.)
Materials
Aluminum Alloys
Non-Magnetic White Metals
Ferrous Alloy
Plastics (Including Synthetic Rubber)
Kapton Adhesive Tape
Adhesive Tape
Velcro
Electrical Components
Adhesive
Copper Alloys
Gold Alloy
Aluminum, steel, copper, stainless steel, gold, velcro, adhesive, plastic, kapton
Inventory Number
A20150313000
Credit Line
Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory, Space Sciences Division.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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