Contributed by Andrew Gibson, CSA Space Technologies

Canada developed the first space instrument to monitor global distribution of Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is an important greenhouse gas. This instrument called MOPITT (Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere - the lowest section of our atmosphere at about 12km) is clearly demonstrating how pollution can be transported from continent to continent. Carbon Monoxide is produced by both man-made (anthropogenic) sources and natural sources (like forest-fires), generally as a product of combustion. MOPITT is also measuring methane levels in the troposphere. All of this data will help us to make more responsible decisions in areas ranging from technology to politics. To find out more, click here: http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/satellites/mopitt.asp.

Stars don't twinkle?

The flickering light that we see in the night sky is caused by variations in density of the Earth's atmosphere. These variations are caused by naturally varying temperatures and composition of the atmosphere at different altitudes and also by winds.

Canada is the BEST country in the world from which to view the Northern Lights!

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a result of the interaction of particles from the Sun with the magnetic field of Earth. These substances react and release their newly found energy in the form of red, green and blue light. While the Northern Lights can sometimes be seen as far south as the United States, the closer you get to the Earth's magnetic pole, the better your view will be. In both its proximity to the North Pole and its very low levels of light pollution, northern Canada provides a spectacular view of this breathtaking natural phenomenon! Click here: http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/missions/sts-097/kid_aurora.asp