Atmospheric phenomena are observable physical processes and manifestations occurring within a planetary atmosphere, arising from interactions among radiation, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and atmospheric composition. They encompass events and structures such as clouds, precipitation, optical effects (e.g., halos, rainbows), turbulence, waves, convection, boundary-layer processes, and large-scale circulation patterns. These phenomena are governed by fundamental equations of motion (Navier–Stokes), radiative transfer, phase changes of water and other condensables, and chemical reactions. In research, atmospheric phenomena are quantitatively characterized using in situ and remote sensing observations, numerical models, and theoretical frameworks to understand energy and mass transport, climate variability, and weather systems.
Following the 3,000th orbit of NASA's AWE (Atmospheric Waves Experiment) aboard the International Space Station, researchers publicly released the mission's first trove of scientific data, crucial to investigating how and ...
Planetary Sciences
Mar 14, 2025
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For those who missed the memo, UFOs (unidentified flying objects) are now called UAPs (unidentified aerospace-undersea phenomena). The term UFO became so closely tied to alien spacecraft and fantastical abduction stories ...
Astronomy
Feb 19, 2025
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The seasonal variations of methane in the Martian atmosphere is an intriguing clue that there might be life hiding under the surface of the red planet. But we won't know for sure until we go digging for it.
Astrobiology
Nov 18, 2024
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106
Welcome to NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem Postlaunch Airborne eXperiment (PACE-PAX). We've been talking about this validation campaign and now are finally here. "Here" being one of three main locations where ...
Space Exploration
Sep 25, 2024
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