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When scientists figured out how to propel satellites and people beyond the atmosphere of our planet, the age of space exploration began. A surprising sidelight seemed to be the new perspective that we got when space travelers turned and looked back at Earth -- from a distance they could see that everyone on the Earth shares the same environment, that what may seem on the ground like a lot of little unrelated systems actually are all connected parts of a larger system. From space, astronauts can't see any political boundaries like countries; they can identify river basins and mountain ranges, but not state lines; and they can track huge atmospheric disturbances that affect more than one continent.
Pictures beamed back from space give us a broader view of our planet and natural phenomena. This view probably helped make people more aware of environmental issues and spurred on the successes of Earth Day in the early 1970s. A popular poster at the time displayed a picture of our planet from space, looking like a big blue and white marble, with the words, "Love Your Mother."
Scientists and ordinary citizens alike know that people can and do affect the environment. Human activities can lead to water and air pollution, for example. We also know that the environment, or natural phenomena like earthquakes and tornadoes, can and do affect people and their lifestyles.
Increasing our understanding of Earth's dynamic and interrelated systems, how they behave naturally and how they may be affected by human activity, is the very work of NOAA's researchers and scientists in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. Indeed, NOAA's name National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its mission reflect the realization that the atmosphere and oceans are interconnected parts of the overall Earth system.
OAR's researchers and scientists are organized into four major sections: the Environmental Research Laboratories, the National Sea Grant College Program, the National Undersea Research Program, and the Office of Global Programs.
With this Web Page, we hope to introduce you to key areas of research that relate to the themes of Earth Day -- humankind's interactions with environmental systems. Our research is focused on exploring, examining, and explaining both the natural environment and how human activity can affect natural systems.
Under "related links" look for other fun Earth Day sites, from recycling hints and environmental projects to Earth Day events planned around the country. Enjoy Earth Day!
