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Atmospheric chemistry is the study of the components of planetary atmospheres, particularly that of the Earth. It specifically looks at the composition of planetary atmospheres and the reactions and interactions that drive these dynamic and diverse systems. The topic encompasses lab-based studies, field measurements and also their modelling.
Rising surface air temperatures over Svalbard may have led to exponential increases in the levels of highly active ice-nucleating particles where snow- and ice-free areas appeared, according to analyses of a year-long record of ice-nucleating particle concentrations.
China’s second phase of clean air actions proved less effective than the first, highlighting the need to adapt and update policies to enable continued progress, according to an assessment combining chemical transport modelling and emission inventories.
Exoplanetary science has been advancing in leaps and bounds since its beginnings almost 30 years ago. This issue of Nature Astronomy celebrates its progress with a range of papers that sample the breadth of this booming discipline.
As an atmospheric chemist in Lebanon, Najat Aoun Saliba was propelled towards activism to combat rising pollution levels and inequality. This culminated in her election to become a member of the Lebanese parliament.
Phase-curve observations of the ‘hot Jupiter’ exoplanet WASP-43b, made at mid-infrared wavelengths using JWST, provide evidence that fast winds limit the formation of methane on the cooler, cloudy nightside of the planet.
JWST collects vast amounts of information about exoplanets light years away from Earth. Back home, the measured optical constants of laboratory aerosols are critically input parameters in models to interpret the observational results.