# @europeanspaceagency on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DOoKj_-DGgr
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/35582070-europeanspaceagency-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4b629bf0e5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-15T15:16:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** J.L.Lopez (@xandler80) — https://gondola.cc/xandler80

## Caption

Ever tried on polarised sunglasses and suddenly seen the world differently? 😎
Now imagine doing that from space

That’s exactly what @eumetsatmedia’s Metop 3MI instrument does but on a planetary scale. By measuring how sunlight becomes polarised after scattering through Earth’s atmosphere, it reveals details invisible to the naked eye.

Clouds, aerosols, wildfire smoke — each leaves a unique polarisation “fingerprint.” With this, scientists can track air quality, study cloud properties, and even improve weather forecasts.

Swipe to see natural vs polarised light:
1. Clouds and smoke sharpen into focus over Italy and Greece.
2. Smoke from Southern European wildfires becomes clear, almost invisible before.
3. A hidden rainbow-like arc — a cloud bow — appears, unlocking clues about droplet size and cloud structure.

Polarised light: not just for your sunnies, but for understanding our planet in extraordinary detail.

📸 Eumetsat

## Stats

- **Views:** 37,419
- **Likes:** 4,656
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 35

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ESA - European Space Agency | @europeanspaceagency | https://gondola.cc/europeanspaceagency | Government Organization |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Producer |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Editor |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Social Media Manager |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Publisher |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Copywriter |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Community Manager |

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