Remote Sensing: a stellar occultation video game based on ALTIUS

ALTIUS (Atmospheric Limb Tracker for the Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere) is an atmospheric limb mission being implemented in ESA's Earth Watch programme and planned for launch in 2026. The primary objective of the mission is to measure high-resolution stratospheric ozone concentration profiles. The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BISA) is responsible for the development of retrieval algorithms for ALTIUS.

In remote sensing, retrieval algorithms use the spectroscopic measurement data to determine atmospheric species concentrations. While being a crucial aspect of remote sensing, they are most often unknown to the public.

On top of its scientific activities, BISA is also regularly involved in scientific outreach activities, including its own open doors days. In this framework, a video game in the form of an interactive ozone retrieval application was developed by the scientists. The user replaces the retrieval algorithm and tries to figure out the shape of the stratospheric ozone density profile using measured data. It is used to explain to the public the principle of atmospheric ozone density retrievals and in particular the concept of stellar occultation.

Components typical of video games were added to make it more entertaining: a score is calculated based on the accuracy of the retrieved profile and the score is added to a wall of fame.

So far, the game was used during BISA’s and ESA’s open doors days as well as during a scientific conference (Limb Workshop) held in Brussels. Several scientists involved in teaching to university-level students also showed their interest for such tools.

A demonstration of the game will be performed and feedback from the various events where it was used will be given.