First Space-Based View of the Ozone Hole

First Space-Based View of the Ozone Hole, a photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video on Flickr.
At an August 1985 meeting in Prague, atmospheric scientist Pawan Bhartia presented this satellite-based image that revealed for the first time the size and magnitude of the Antarctic ozone hole. The discovery ultimately led to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, a landmark international treaty designed to phase out ozone-depleting substances. Yesterday, Sept. 16,2012, marked 25 years since the treaty was opened for signatures.

NASA satellites continue to provide clear snapshots of a generally stabilized Antarctic ozone hole as it cycles toward and away from its annual maximum depth by late September or early October.

To read a Q&A about the discovery with NASA's Pawan Bhartia, visit:
www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/bhartia-qa.html