Scientists have developed new satellite technology that can create 3D maps of wildfire smoke plumes, offering more precise air quality alerts for specific neighborhoods. This is a big upgrade from the old 2D tracking methods, which couldn't show the full picture of how smoke spreads and settles.

Editor’s Note: Wildfire smoke is a growing health hazard, especially as fires become more frequent and intense. This breakthrough means communities can get hyper-local warnings about dangerous air quality, helping people—especially those with respiratory issues—take better precautions. It’s a smarter way to stay safe in a smokier world.