Earth's Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and other gases (1%) that surrounds Earth. High above the planet, the atmosphere becomes thinner until it gradually reaches space. It is divided into five layers. Most of the weather and clouds are found in the first layer.
The atmosphere is an important part of what makes Earth livable. It blocks some of the Sun's dangerous rays from reaching Earth. It traps heat, making Earth a comfortable temperature. And the oxygen within our atmosphere is essential for life.
Over the past century, greenhouse gases and other air pollutants released into the atmosphere have been causing big changes like global warming, ozone holes, and acid rain.
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Explore Earth's Atmosphere
Layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is divided into five layers. It is thickest near the surface and thins out with ...Read more
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Most weather takes place ...Read more
Climate
Warm near the equator and cold at the poles, our planet is able to support a variety of living ...Read more
The Polar Atmosphere
Phenomena in the Polar Atmosphere There are some unique phenomena that happen in the atmosphere ...Read more
Atmospheric Optics
Have you ever seen clouds in the sky that looked different than "normal" clouds? Or have you ...Read more
Air Pollution
What do smog, acid rain, carbon monoxide, fossil fuel exhausts, and tropospheric ozone have ...Read more
Ozone Holes
The Ozone Hole is a major "thinning" of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere. It ...Read more
Modeling the Atmosphere
Clouds are an important part of Earth's weather and climate. Scientists use computer models ...Read more
Arts and Culture About Clouds, Weather, and Climate
Whether it is how an artist paints the shapes of clouds or how a poet describes a gloomy weather ...Read more
Atmosphere News
Read about current science, happenings and discoveries related to Earth's atmosphere! ...Read moreMore about Earth's Atmosphere
- Atmosphere Games and Activities
- Atmosphere Image Gallery
- Resources for Teaching About the Atmosphere
- Atmospheric Science Literacy Framework
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Historical Events
Full Earth and Space Science History Calendar (Members only)
Teacher Opportunities
Full Teacher Events Calendar (Educator Members only)
Did you know?
Did you know that the atmosphere gets thinner as you go up in altitude?Did you know that you can now share your poems about our collection of cloud art photos. Have fun!
Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day
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Research Highlights
Mysterious Clouds Produced When Aircraft Inadvertently Cause Rain or Snow
As turboprop and jet aircraft climb or descend under certain atmospheric conditions, they can inadvertently "seed" mid-level clouds, causing narrow bands of snow or rain to develop and fall to...Read more
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Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information.
