The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The left image shows the air temperature for Madrid on 25 June 2008 at 22:18 UTC. The difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures in the colour legend is 6°C. The right image shows the sealed soil surfaces percentage (provided by the European Environmental Agency). The position of the Retiro Park is at the centre of the small rectangle, and shows an almost non-existent heat island at this time of the day. This demonstrates the important role that parks play in cooling city centres at night.