Atmosphere
What Is the Ozone Layer, and Why Does It Matter?
High above the clouds sits an invisible shield of gas that makes life on land possible by blocking the Sun’s most dangerous rays. The ozone layer is also one of the great environmental success stories. Here is what it is and why it matters.
Why Is the Sky Blue? The Science Explained
It is one of the first questions children ask and one of the hardest for adults to answer. The blue sky comes down to a bit of physics about light, air, and the size of a wave. Here is why the sky is blue, and why sunsets are red.
What Is the Jet Stream, and Why It Matters
High above the clouds, a river of wind races around the planet at highway speeds and faster. It decides whether your week is stormy or calm, and whether your flight home is an hour early or late. Here is what the jet stream is.