Atmosfäärigase

Atmosfäärigase refers to the mixture of gases that surround a celestial body, primarily a planet, held in place by gravity. Earth's atmosphere is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and small amounts of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and methane. The composition of an atmosphere can vary significantly between planets, influencing their climate, temperature, and suitability for life.

The presence and composition of an atmosphere are crucial for a planet's habitability. Earth's atmosphere, for instance, provides the oxygen necessary for respiration, shields the surface from harmful solar radiation, and regulates temperature through the greenhouse effect. Other planets have atmospheres with vastly different properties. Venus has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide, leading to an extreme greenhouse effect and scorching surface temperatures. Mars has a thin atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide, offering little protection from radiation and resulting in a cold, dry environment.

The study of atmospheric gases, or atmospheric science, is vital for understanding planetary evolution, climate change, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Analyzing the spectral signatures of light passing through an exoplanet's atmosphere can reveal its chemical composition, offering clues about its potential to host life. Changes in atmospheric gas concentrations, such as the increase of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, are a major focus of climate research due to their impact on global temperatures.