“By correcting initial cloud fields with real-time satellite data, we essentially gave the forecast system a ‘live cloud map’. This is not only a technical breakthrough but also provides a practical tool for grid scheduling and China’s dual-carbon strategy.”“By correcting initial cloud fields with real-time satellite data, we essentially gave the forecast system a ‘live cloud map’. This is not only a technical breakthrough but also provides a practical tool for grid scheduling and China’s dual-carbon strategy.”

Researchers typically analyze images taken by geostationary satellites to identify regions of the sky where contrails form, but new research shows adding images taken by low-Earth-orbiting satellites would help identify many more such regions. Pilots could avoid these regions to reduce aviation’s climate impact. 

Satellite and reanalysis data show aerosol changes in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres largely cancel out, shifting attention to cloud changes due to surface warming and natural climate variability.