Satellite Images Expose Dramatic Drop In Pollution After Coronavirus Lockdown

We can all see the changes that are made since the coronavirus has massively spread. The places where the quarantine is included are increasing, just as the number of infected people from the virus. In a situation like this, a positive outlook on the future is impossible. Also, not a single response from any medical person has appeared regarding the solution.

The scientists are the first persons who will share one positive change, linked with the coronavirus.

But, no, it is not connected with the vaccine; it is not that kind of information. But, according to the ESA (European Space Agency) and some other independent researchers, the amount of nitrogen dioxide is drastically decreased since Italy was ultimately lockdown by the spread of the disease COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus.

This information was detected by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite. It revealed that there was a decline in NO2 emissions, which remarks on the decrease in air pollution, especially in the northern part of the country.

Claus Zehner, ESA’s Copernicus Sentinel-5P mission manager, declared that there was a significant decline in nitrogen dioxide in the Po valley, in the north part of Italy. Besides the fact that this may be the result of the weather-changing process, the experts are sure that air pollution is affected.

The lockdown means no cars, less traffic, and less industrial activities.

The scientists and experts share on the social media the huge change made in Italy: the decrease of NO2 levels.

In one month, there is a clear decrease of NO2 levels (a pollution marker) in northern #Italy according to the satellite sensor @tropomi @avoiland @elisa_ox @blefer @rjswap pic.twitter.com/FnSz4AtT8q
— Santiago Gassó (@SanGasso) March 11, 2020

Nowadays, the satellite, precisely the Copernicus Sentinel-5P Tropomi, is considered to be the surest instrument in the world for measuring the air pollution from the space. All the measurements are globally available because of the open and free data policy. This information is crucial for the people who make decisions, but for the citizens too. The previously said information is stated by the Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programs.

In the graphs below, you can see that there is a decrease in NO2 emissions, all beginning from February 14.

Next, even less No2 was present on February 24.

The results of the satellite sensor were shared on Twitter by Santiago Gasso, a research associate at NASA. Furthermore, he adds that while NO2 emissions are average as a result of such factors, the noticed change is from great importance.

Comparing images from single days is suggestive at best. For ex, day selection is important there is more activity during weekdays than in weekends. Here are displayed two weekend days one-month apart. The decrease is clear. Yet this needs to be with independent obs networks. https://t.co/LqK2b3Vn9H pic.twitter.com/rwpFjSJDJT
— Santiago Gassó (@SanGasso) March 12, 2020

Also, there was a significant decrease in March.

On the map, you can see the air pollution or the presence on Saturday, March 7.

Moreover, ESA shared the data that presents precisely the same tendency.

This situation and change were noticed by the Italian citizens too. They declared that the canals in Venice are crystal clear since there is no traffic at all. All in all, the quarantine because of the coronavirus may not cure the patients, but it showed significant results in reducing air pollution, which will result in a healthier nation.