This image shows the location of the country of Mexico and its capital, Mexico City. Mexico City is where the MILAGRO campaign will take place. Click on image for full size (437 Kb)

We need to study air pollution so we can better understand how to stop its negative effects. Scientists are doing this in a project called MILAGRO. MILAGRO stands for Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations. Those big words really mean that a team of scientists from around the world are in Mexico City to study the atmosphere there. The project started in March 2006.

During MILAGRO, the scientists are using airplanes, radars, weather balloons, computers, and other instruments to study the atmosphere in and around Mexico City. The purpose is to learn more about the chemistry of air pollution given off by very large cities called megacities.

Hopefully, what is learned during MILAGRO can be applied to other megacities around the world. This will help our Earth be a better place to live!