NOAA, NASA release measurements of 2026 ozone hole
NASA and NOAA scientists report that the 2026 Antarctic ozone hole grew to an unusually large size due to a powerful polar vortex. Despite this seasonal spike, experts confirm that the ozone layer remains on a long-term recovery path thanks to international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting chemicals.
Why it matters
Monitoring the ozone layer is vital for understanding global climate health and the effectiveness of international environmental treaties.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add to Preferred Sources NOAA scientists launch a weather balloon carrying an ozonesonde at the South Pole on Oct. 1, 2023. Credit: Marc Jaquart/IceCube Atypical weather conditions caused the Antarctic ozone hole to grow to an unusually large size in 2026, NOAA and NASA scientists reported today, though they said the protective ozone layer is still on track to recover by later this century.
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