Norwegian Pandora Instruments
NILU’s Pandora instruments deployed in polar regions provide continuous observations of total ozone (total column) and other atmospheric trace gases in some of the most rapidly changing environments on Earth. These measurements help scientists track changes in atmospheric composition, validate satellite observations, and improve our understanding of processes that influence climate and the recovery of the ozone layer.
What are Pandora Instruments
Pandora instruments are compact, automated sun- and sky-viewing UV–visible spectrometer that measure atmospheric gases by analyzing the absorption of sunlight. Equipped with a robotic solar tracker, it can operate continuously with minimal maintenance, providing highly accurate observations of total ozone (total column), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and other trace gases.
The Pandonia Global Network
Pandora instruments are part of the Pandonia Global Network (PGN), a coordinated international network of standardized, calibrated spectrometers operated by research institutions around the world. Established through collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), PGN has grown to more than >174 instruments deployed across over 100 locations globally, providing continuous, high-quality measurements.