Atmosphere Reference Libraries
The above map looks at what is known as ceilings. The definition of ceilings is the first broken or overcast layer of cloud cover in the atmosphere. For it to be considered a ceiling the clouds need to cover more than half of the sky. If we look at the red circled area we see the numbers of 1 and 2. This tells us that there is a ceiling at 1,000-2,000ft which are in the level of low clouds such...
The morning weather map for July 5, shows us the current surface pressure readings. Surface Pressure is very important from a meteorological stand point. We use this to help us identify where our surface pressure centers are just like you see above. Our Low pressure area is over Northeast Colorado and also the High pressure over the Ontario area. Surface pressure is taken hourly from the...
The image above shows a Cumulus-nimbus cloud that has an anvil top to it. The reason that can be identified is that the cirrus is in place above the center of the storm. The image below does not have an anvil top yet. The anvil top forms on CB clouds after they reach the height in the atmosphere where they begin to feel the upper level winds becoming too strong for them to continue development...
Planetary and Space Science is a peer-reviewed scientific journal established in 1959 and published by Elsevier 15 times per year. As of May 2012, the editor-in-chief is Rita Schulz (The Netherlands). The journal publishes original research articles and short communications. The main focus is on solar system processes which encompass multiple areas of the natural sciences. Research that...
Earth's Atmosphere -- Earth's atmosphere consists of nitrogen (78.1%) and oxygen (20.9%), with small amounts of argon (0.9%), carbon dioxide (variable, but around 0.035%), water vapor, and other gases. The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. 75% of the atmosphere exists within 11km of the...
Sky -- Although almost everyone have seen it, sky is hard to be defined precisely. Generally, sky is the space seen when one looks upward from the surface of a planet. Some people define sky as the denser gaseous zone of a planet's atmosphere. Clouds, rainbows and weather all occur amongst a planet's sky. In astronomy, the sky is divided into many regions, called constellations. The...
Terraforming -- Terraforming (literally, "Earth-shaping") is the process of modifying a planet, moon or other body to a more habitable atmosphere, temperature or ecology. The term was first used in a science fiction novel, 'Seetee Shock' (1940?) by Jack Williamson, but the actual concept is older than that. An example in fiction is 'First and Last Men' by Olaf Stapledon in which Venus is...
Saturn's moon Titan -- Titan is the planet Saturn's largest moon. It is larger than either of the planets Mercury or Pluto and is the second-largest moon in the solar system after Ganymede (it was originally thought to be slightly larger than Ganymede, but recent observations have shown that its thick atmosphere caused overestimation of its diameter). Titan was discovered on March 25, 1655...
Saturn's moon Enceladus -- Enceladus is a moon of Saturn discovered in 1789 by William Herschel. At least five different types of terrain have been identified on Enceladus. In addition to craters there are smooth plains and extensive linear cracks and ridges. At least some of the surface is relatively young, probably less than 100 million years. This means that Enceladus must have been...
Jupiter's Moon Ganymede -- Ganymede is the largest satellite in the solar system with a diameter of 5,268 km (3270 miles). It is larger than Mercury and Pluto, and three-quarters the size of Mars. If Ganymede orbited the Sun instead of orbiting Jupiter, it would easily be classified as a planet. If Ganymede orbited the Sun instead of Jupiter it could be classified as a planet. Like...
