NASA 2026 Ozone Hole Report Antarctic Ozone Hole Ranks Seventh Largest

NASA says the 2026 Antarctic ozone hole ranked seventh largest by area in 48 years of monitoring, but was not among the deepest.

By News National Editorial Team

Washington, November 10, 2026: NASA's latest assessment of the Antarctic ozone hole shows that the 2026 hole ranked seventh largest by area during 48 years of satellite monitoring, although it was not among the deepest recorded.

The findings were published by NASA Earth Observatory on November 9 and provide an updated picture of seasonal ozone depletion over Antarctica.

The report is important because the ozone layer plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

What did NASA discover?

NASA reported that the 2026 ozone hole reached its annual maximum extent on September 18.

Scientists assess the ozone hole using atmospheric measurements, including areas where ozone concentrations fall below 220 Dobson Units.

The 2026 assessment showed that the average size during the main ozone-depletion period, from September 7 to October 13, ranked seventh largest in the 48-year monitoring record.

However, NASA clarified that the hole was not as deep as some other large ozone holes recorded in previous years.

This distinction matters because the size and depth of the ozone hole are separate measurements.

A larger ozone-depleted area does not automatically mean that the ozone concentration at its centre is the lowest ever measured.

Why did the ozone hole become so large?

NASA identified an unusually strong Antarctic polar vortex as an important factor behind the 2026 results.

The polar vortex is a large circulation of strong winds that forms around Antarctica during the southern winter.

When temperatures in the stratosphere are sufficiently cold, chemical reactions that destroy ozone become more favourable.

These conditions can contribute to a larger ozone hole during the Antarctic spring.

Natural variations in atmospheric temperature and circulation mean that the size of the ozone hole can differ substantially from one year to another.

Why is the ozone layer important?

The ozone layer absorbs much of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Without sufficient ozone protection, increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation can raise the risk of skin cancer and eye damage and affect plants and ecosystems.

The discovery of major ozone depletion over Antarctica during the 1980s led to international action against ozone-depleting chemicals.

The Montreal Protocol's role

The 1987 Montreal Protocol established international controls on substances that damage the ozone layer, including chlorofluorocarbons.

The agreement is widely recognised as a major example of successful international environmental cooperation.

The reduction of many ozone-depleting substances has helped put the ozone layer on a long-term recovery pathway.

However, recovery is gradual and depends on atmospheric chemistry, climate conditions and continued international compliance.

Does the 2026 result mean the ozone layer is getting worse?

Not necessarily.

NASA's findings show a large ozone hole for 2026, but the annual result must be interpreted within the longer-term record.

One year's measurements do not establish a reversal of the long-term recovery trend.

Scientists will continue monitoring ozone concentrations using satellite instruments and ground-based observations.

What happens next?

Further monitoring will help researchers understand how atmospheric circulation and changing climate conditions affect ozone depletion.

The 2026 findings reinforce the importance of continued scientific observation and international cooperation.

Sources:

• NASA Earth Observatory: https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/ozone-hole-reaches-its-2026-maximum/