The SOLSE/LORE instruments were designed to demonstrate the ability of a space-based system to observe ozone in vertical distribution by viewing the Limb of the Atmosphere.

Previously, using the backskattered ultraviolet technique for ozone observation yielded limited resoution and measurement area. Occultation measurements provided much better vertical resolution, yet only at sunrise/sunset latitudes.

Limb scattering (as illustrated on the left) allows vertical resolution simlar to occultation instruments (such as SAGE) and coverage similar to backscattered UV.

During the first SOLSE mission flown in November 1997, a small amount of data was obtained that appears to show the concept works. In SOLSE-2, limb data will be obtained over a wide range of conditions. Limb data combined with the column measurements of the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) will give scientists the ability to create a 3-D picture of Ozone in the Atmosphere.

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Last revised: February 4, 2003