Satellite images have revealed that emissions have dropped significantly over Italy and regions of China as a result of the complete shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. As the pandemic is continuously spreading, satellites have witnessed a significant reduction in air pollution levels across Italy and reduced nitrogen-dioxide emissions across China. TROPOMI, the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument onboard the Copernicus satellite, has been witnessing these atmospheric variations from space. A combination of satellite observations and computer models of the atmosphere displayed a 20- to 30-percent reduction in surface particulate matter across China. Researchers have planned to continue a detailed scientific investigation that will soon provide more insights and quantified outcomes in the upcoming weeks and months.
