Fact ����� National Aeronautics and Space Administration ������� �������� ������ Hampton, Virginia 23681-2199 FS-2002-12-65-LaRC Choosing a Career in Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric science is the study of the physics and 2. Data analysis and modeling — the examination of chemistry of clouds, gases, and aerosols (airborne the data produced by the experiments and the particles) that surround the planetary bodies of development of theoretical models to interpret the the solar system. Research in atmospheric science data. The result is an improvement of our under- includes such varied areas of interest as: standing of atmospheric motions and chemistry, climate change, and weather forecasting. This area • Climatology — the study of long-term weather and requires experience in computer science, temperature trends mathematics, chemistry, physics, meteorology, • Dynamic meteorology — the study of the motions radiative transfer, or fluid dynamics. of the atmosphere • Meteorology —the study of weather and climate. 3. Laboratory studies — the examination of • Cloud physics — the formation and evolution of the chemical and physical processes that occur clouds and precipitation in the atmosphere, including cloud microphysics, • Atmospheric chemistry — the chemical photochemical reactions, and absorption and composition of the atmosphere emission of radiation by atmospheric gases and • Atmospheric physics — the study of processes particles. This area requires experience in such as heating and cooling of the atmosphere quantitative laboratory techniques, chemistry, or • Aeronomy — the study of the upper atmosphere spectroscopy. • Oceanography — the study of the Earthʼs oceans and how they affect the atmosphere The majority of atmospheric scientists in the United States work for the Federal Government. The largest Most atmospheric scientists study the atmosphere of number of civilian atmospheric scientists work for the the Earth, while others study the atmospheres of the National Weather Service and other branches of the planets and moons in our solar system. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as NASA, the Environmental Types of Jobs Protection Agency, the Forest Service, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. In the Atmospheric Sciences research group at Atmospheric scientists may also be found working for NASAʼs Langley Research Center, researchers focus private weather services, television and radio stations, their work in three main areas: commercial airlines, state governments, colleges and universities, public utilities, consulting firms, and 1. Instrumentation and data acquisition — the design aircraft and instrument manufacturing companies. and operation of instrument systems that measure the Earthʼs atmosphere from space, from within Atmospheric scientists may work in the following the atmosphere, and from the ground. This area areas: field research, laboratory studies and/or requires a background in electronics, optics, computer analysis and modeling. Good communication computer science, or radiative transfer. skills (oral and written) are necessary as atmospheric scientists attend conferences and workshops where Professional Organizations they share their results with other researchers. They write papers and technical reports detailing the Most atmospheric scientists are members of the results of their research, give progress reports, and American Meteorological Society and/or the disseminate information to the public. American Geophysical Union. These organizations are excellent sources of information on careers and Atmospheric scientists often work in groups where educational programs in atmospheric science. their different skills and backgrounds can be combined to study specific scientific questions such Other Information Sources as the effects of aircraft emissions on the atmosphere. These multidisciplinary teams usually include people NASA Education Division, Mail Code FE in other related careers such as aerospace engineers, NASA Headquarters electronics engineers, computer and communications Washington, DC 20546-0001 technicians, photographers, science writers, data http://www.education.nasa.gov systems analysts, astronauts, pilots, astronomers, physicists, geologists, oceanographers, and biologists. NASA Earth Science Enterprise, Code Y Washington, DC 20546-0001 Preparation and Training http://www.earth.nasa.gov/

One way to begin a career in atmospheric science is National Weather Service, NOAA to earn a bachelorʼs degree in meteorology, physics, 1325 East-West Highway chemistry, geography, mathematics, or computer Silver Spring, MD 20910 science. Some researchers in atmospheric sciences http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ have earned their bachelorʼs degrees in related fields, such as astronomy, oceanography, geophysics, or American Meteorological Society engineering. Research leadership positions usually 45 Beacon Street require graduate degrees, such as a masterʼs degree Boston, MA 02108-369 or doctorate. Research teams also include technicians http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS/ who hold two-year associateʼs degrees or have graduated from an approved apprentice program. American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Work-study programs for college students majoring Washington, DC 20009-1277 in meteorology or related fields are available through http://www.agu.org NASA and NOAA. These agencies also provide grants and fellowships for graduate study. The U.S. For more information about Atmospheric Sciences at Armed Forces also provide training in meteorology NASA Langley, please contact: for officers and enlisted personnel. Public Inquiry Center NASA Langley Research Center Where to Study Mail Stop 146 Hampton, VA 23681-2199 There are many colleges and universities in the United 757-864-3293 States, Puerto Rico, and Canada that offer degree programs in meteorology, atmospheric science, and Or see the Atmospheric Sciences Competency Home related fields. A complete list may be obtained from Page: the American Meteorological Society. http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/ASDhomepage.html