Published on 16 July 2024
The ALTIUS mission, aimed at enhancing our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere, has inspired a new educational game designed to demystify the complex process of ozone retrieval. This innovative initiative, initially conceived for an open house event at the Uccle Plateau and further showcased at last year's Limb Workshop poster sessions, has now been professionally developed and is available online.
The game, which can be accessed here, is the brainchild of a dedicated team led by BIRA-IASB's Emmanuel Dekemper, who saw the potential for the game to serve both educational and outreach purposes. "The success during the initial presentations made it clear that there was a significant interest in making this scientific process accessible to non-specialists," Emmanuel explained.
ALTIUS (Atmospheric Limb Tracker for Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere) is a mission under the auspices of the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO). It focuses on monitoring atmospheric composition, specifically targeting ozone, aerosols, and other trace gases in the stratosphere. The mission is crucial for understanding and mitigating the impacts of atmospheric changes on the environment and human health.
The educational game simplifies the intricate process of ozone retrieval, making it comprehensible and engaging for a broader audience. By simulating the steps involved in measuring and analyzing ozone concentrations from space, players gain insights into how scientists gather and interpret atmospheric data.
BELSPO is excited to promote this educational tool, recognizing its value in raising awareness about atmospheric science and the critical role of missions like ALTIUS. The game represents a unique opportunity for both students and the general public to engage with scientific concepts in an interactive and enjoyable way.