Visualization showing aerosols modeled by the Earth Observing System.

This visualization shows how tiny particles called aerosols move through Earth's atmosphere from August 1 to September 14, 2024, using NASA's Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. These particles, which include sea salt, dust, smoke, and sulfates, can travel thousands of miles affecting the air we breathe and how far we can see, even far from where they originated.
By tracking these movements, NASA helps communities prepare for changes in air quality and visibility while advancing our understanding of Earth's complex atmospheric system.