Space

NASA, NOAA Track 2026 Antarctic Ozone Hole

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Briefings

NASA and NOAA report the 2026 Antarctic ozone hole ranked seventh largest in 48 years, covering 9.6 million square miles during peak depletion season. While the hole was not as deep as previous records, ozone-depleting substances have declined by about a third since 1980, with recovery projected by the 2070s. Monitoring relied on balloon-borne instruments and satellite data from 1979 onward.

Key points

• The 2026 Antarctic ozone hole covered 9.6 million square miles during peak depletion season, ranking seventh largest in 48 years of monitoring.
• Ozone concentrations reached their lowest value of 105 Dobson units on Oct. 17, 2026, at the South Pole, compared to 92 Dobson units in October 2006.

Context

NASA and NOAA track the ozone hole to monitor Earth's protective ozone layer, which shields life from harmful solar radiation. The Antarctic polar vortex creates cold conditions allowing chlorine and bromine to deplete stratospheric ozone, with recovery estimated by the 2070s.

Limitations

Data visualization shows the ozone hole on Sept. 18, 2026, the day of its annual maximum extent. Some measurements were taken from ground stations and balloons, with satellite data contributing to the overall assessment since 1979.

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