NASA & USGS Map Geology of Western United States | NASA Armstrong

NASA & USGS Map Geology of Western United States | NASA Armstrong

In its third year of data collection, the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) is using NASA’s high-flying ER-2 aircraft to map geology and minerals across the western United States in May 2025. The ER-2, based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, can fly at 65,000 feet—above 95% of Earth’s atmosphere—making it ideal for this kind of science mission. Researchers are using the latest version of the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) instrument, AVIRIS-5, to collect visible, shortwave infrared and thermal infrared data about the surface below. The GEMx mission is a joint effort between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to improve scientific understanding of the region’s geology and natural resources.

Learn more about NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC): 
https://www.nasa.gov/armstrong/

Video Credit: NASA Armstrong/Jacob Shaw
Duration: 6 minutes, 41 seconds
Release Date: May 21, 2025

#NASA #Earth #Planet #Science #Geology #USGS #GEMx #ER2Aircraft #AVIRIS5 #Aircraft #AirborneScience #NASAArmstrong #AFRC #EdwardsAFB #Palmdale #California #WesternUnitedStates #UnitedStates  #HD #Video