NASA launched the AIM spacecraft to investigate a unique phenomenon above the poles

These are mysterious clouds that hover about 80 kilometers above the earth

Last night, NASA launched the AIM spacecraft whose purpose is to examine a unique phenomenon - ice clouds that are concentrated in the polar regions, at an altitude of about 80 kilometers, that is, at the upper limit of the atmosphere. These clouds are only visible at night, and in recent years have been observed more often and have become brighter than before. Scientists have not yet been able to explain the changes, but speculated that it may be related to changes in the global climate.
 The mission will last two years. The satellite was launched yesterday (April 25) at 23:26 Israel time (13:26 West Coast time) using a Pegasus rocket, which was launched from a plane above Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch went smoothly and there were no external disturbances, such as the weather.

 It is a modest mission, by the University of Hampton in Virginia in cooperation with NASA, but it is innovative in that it is the first black university to lead a NASA mission. Dr. James Russell, professor and associate director at Hampton University's Center for Atmospheric Sciences is AIM's principal investigator. "Hampton University is leading the way in innovation. The leadership and innovation of our faculty is now recognized not only within the scientific community but throughout the world." says university president William Harvey.