SPEXone Polarimeter

The Spectro-Polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone), pictured here, is one of two polarimeters planned for inclusion on PACE. SPEXone will be provided by the Netherlands and will be used primarily for the characterization of aerosols.

[12-Mar-18] PACE will include two polarimeters. Such instruments are used to measure how the oscillation of sunlight within a geometric plane - known as its polarization - is changed by passing through clouds, aerosols, and the ocean.

The Spectro-Polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone), pictured here, is one of two polarimeters planned for inclusion on PACE. SPEXone will be provided by the Netherlands and will be used primarily for the characterization of aerosols. It will also address aerosol climate objectives beyond those required of the PACE Ocean Color Instrument.