April 22, 2026

Earth Observation Symposium

A day-long exploration of satellite-based research and innovation for Earth Day
Register

Join MIT AeroAstro and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) for the Earth Observation Symposium, a day-long exploration of satellite-based research and innovation for Earth Day on April 22 2026. 

This symposium will convene researchers from across MIT and affiliated networks to highlight how satellites allow us to monitor weather systems, track climate change, study ecosystems, and better understand the patterns shaping our planet. 

The program features a keynote address by Susan Solomon, internationally recognized for her leadership in atmospheric science. The day will also include faculty talks and panels, lightning talks and poster sessions from students and researchers, and opportunities to connect with colleagues working across this interdisciplinary field.

Celebrate MIT’s pioneering role in Earth observation, a field first explored right here in Boston, and join us in exploring how satellite science continues to advance research, technology, and society.

Program

Part 1

EAPS Atrium, Building 55

10:00–10:05 | Welcome and introduction | Oli de Weck + David McGee (or Arlene) 

10:00–10:10 | Symposium overview | Arlene Fiore, Afreen Siddiqi, Daniel Varon

10:10–10:40 | Keynote 

Susan Solomon, Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry

Interpreting Earth observation regarding ozone, detection and attribution of climate change, and future challenges.

11:00–11:50 | Panel 

Earth observation for environmental science and society: emerging technologies and applications

Sherrie Wang, Assistant Professor, MIT MechE, IDSS, and LIDS; PI of the Earth Intelligence Lab at MIT

Taylor Perron, Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

Moderator: Daniel Varon, Boeing Career Development Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics

12:00–1:00 | Lunch + networking 

1:00–24:00 | Lightning Talks

Students, faculty, and researchers on interdisciplinary topics in Earth Observation 

2:00–3:30 | Featured Speakers

Xiong Liu, Senior physicist, Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian

TEMPO Mission: The Smithsonian/NASA TEMPO observatory measures the atmosphere over North America from a geostationary satellite, specifically tracking air quality in unprecedented detail.

Dara Entekhabi, Bacardi And Stockholm Water Foundations Professor, MIT Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Mission: Launched in 2015, the SMAP satellite measured high-resolution global measurements of near-surface soil moisture and its freeze-thaw state. These measurements allow significantly improved estimates of water, energy and carbon transfers between the land and atmosphere.

Part 2

AeroAstro Neumann Hangar, Building 17

3:30–5:00: Poster session