1 min read
How NASA Uses Light to Detect Waste From MinesEarth Science Division Editorial Team
May 28, 2026 ArticleTens of thousands of abandoned mines threaten waterways across the American West, but identifying which sites urgently need cleanup is slow and expensive. Now, NASA’s EMIT instrument can analyze the unique light signatures of mine waste from space to help focus remediation efforts where they're needed most.
Original Video and AssetsShare
Details
Last Updated May 28, 2026Related Terms
Explore More
5 min readA Shift in What’s Shaping U.S. Landscapes
Wild disturbances are on the rise, while land disturbed by human activity has been decreasing.
Article 12 hours ago 5 min readNASA Develops Sensor to Improve Firefighter Safety
With peak wildfire season approaching, scientists with NASA’s FireSense project have created low-cost thermal sensors…
Article 18 hours ago 5 min readNASA-European Sea Level Mission Homes in on El Niño
Sea level data from a satellite launched by NASA and European partners shows that a…
Article 1 day ago Keep ExploringDiscover More Topics From NASA
Earth
Your home. Our Mission. And the one planet that NASA studies more than any other.
Earth Observatory
NASA's Earth Observatory brings you the Earth, every day: images, stories, and discoveries about the environment, Earth systems, and climate.
Earth Science at Work
NASA Earth Science helps Americans respond to challenges and societal needs — such as wildland fires, hurricanes, and water supplies…
Earth Videos
Collection of Earth science videos explaining a variety of concepts and activities performed by NASA's Earth Science Division.