EPIC Observations of Ice in Earth's Atmosphere

The Discover satellite captures sparkling glints of light from Earth, caused by sunlight reflecting off ice particles. This phenomenon was first observed by the Galileo spacecraft in 1990. Studying these glints helps understand light reflection and its impact on Earth's radiation budget. This method could also be used to identify ice crystals in exoplanet atmospheres, aiding in evaluating their habitability.

What causes the sparkling glints of light captured by Discover in Earth's images?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Artificial lights from cities

• Moonlight reflecting off water bodies

• Sunlight reflecting off tiny ice particles

Which spacecraft first observed sunlight glancing off Earth's atmosphere?

• Hubble

• Cassini

• Galileo

• Voyager

What can studying Discover's observations reveal about Earth's atmosphere?

• The speed of Earth's rotation

• The effect of light reflection on Earth's radiation budget

• The composition of Earth's core

• The depth of Earth's oceans

How might the method used by Discover be applied in the future?

• To measure the distance to the sun

• To identify ice crystals in exoplanet atmospheres

• To map the surface of Mars

• To predict weather patterns on Earth

Why is identifying ice crystals in exoplanet atmospheres important?

• To calculate the exoplanet's gravitational pull

• To evaluate the habitability of the exoplanet

• To measure the exoplanet's magnetic field

• To determine the age of the exoplanet