Until now, scientists who study air pollution using satellite imagery have been limited by weather. Clouds in particular, provide much less information than a sunny day.

University of Iowa scientists have created a technique to help satellites “see” through the clouds and better estimate the concentration of pollutants, such as soot. The finding is important, because, like GPS systems, clouds block remote-sensing satellites’ ability to detect, and thus calculate, the concentration of pollution nearer to the ground. This includes particles (commonly known as soot) that reduce air quality and affect weather and climate.

via Researchers develop technique to help pollution forecasters see past clouds.