Mitigation of Ultraviolet Solar Radiation Involving Calcite (MUSIC)

Tanvi Nare, Prachi Prashant Thakkar, Darshini Kumar, Somya Mulla

This investigation explores the use of calcite (CaCO3) powder, the most common and radiation-
resistant form of calcium carbonate, as an environmentally friendly mechanism for solar radiation
management by measuring its ability to deflect ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The experiment
took place on a high-altitude balloon (HAB) payload. Three sets of laminated calcite sheets with
varying concentrations – two with calcite and one as a control – were tested using two different
types of sensors contained in a payload box. We hypothesized that the sheet with the highest
calcite distribution would block the most radiation. The results indicated that both sheets with
calcite were effective in blocking UV radiation, setting the foundation for future investigations in
the field of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) using calcite and other environmentally friendly
substances.