MIGHTI images the atmosphere to measure the high altitude winds and temperature variations in the atmosphere-space transition region. These winds and temperature fluctuations are driven by weather patterns closer to the Earth’s surface, and in turn, drive the motions of the ionized gases of space.

EUV will measure the density of the ionized gas of the ionosphere during the daytime, revealing the response of the space environment to forcing by lower atmosphere weather. EUV is a single-optic “push-broom” imaging spectrometer that images in the extreme ultraviolet region of the spectrum.

IVM will measure the motion of the ionized gases in response to the push of the high-altitude winds and the electric fields they generate. There are two identical IVM instruments, each consisting of a Retarding Potential Analyzer and a Drift Meter, that collect and measure ions to determine their velocity, density and temperature.

FUV will measure the density of the ionized gas of the ionosphere during the nighttime, revealing the response of the space environment to forcing by lower atmosphere weather. During the day, it will determine how the chemistry of the upper atmosphere changes, modifying the source for the ionized gas. FUV images the upper atmosphere in the far ultraviolet.