Atmospheric and Space Scientists

About the Role

Atmospheric and Space Scientists study the atmosphere and the physical properties of space, focusing on weather, climate change, and cosmic phenomena.

Other Common Titles

Meteorologist
Climate Scientist
Atmospheric Physicist
Space Weather Scientist
Environmental Scientist

Typical Tasks

Conduct atmospheric and climate research experiments
Analyze data from satellites and ground-based instruments
Develop and run computer models to simulate weather patterns
Forecast weather and predict climate trends
Collaborate with meteorologists and climate scientists
Provide information to government agencies for disaster management
Publish findings in scientific journals and present at conferences

Notable People

James Hansen – Known for his research on climate change and testimony to the U.S. Congress on the greenhouse effect.
Gavin Schmidt – Director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, noted for his work in climate modeling.
Frederick Lindzen – Prominent atmospheric physicist known for his work on climate variability and meteorology.

Recommended Resources

The Discovering Weather Podcast
A podcast series exploring current topics and research in weather science.
The Climate Crisis: A History of Global Warming
An informative book about the history and science behind climate change.
American Meteorological Society
A professional organization for meteorologists that offers resources, training, and networking opportunities.
The Weather and Climate Toolkit
A resource for accessing weather data and educational materials about atmospheric conditions.