Isabel image from NASA, global warming image from EPA.
To get full credit on HW 2, you had to specify where I was (worth 2 points; in Hawaii = 1 point, on Mauna Kea = 1 point), and what I was doing (worth 2 points; making telescopic observations = 1 point, observing Jupiter/Saturn = 1 point). Extra credit (1 point) was given to those of you who realized that I was making infrared observations of Saturn and Jupiter. If you received a 3 or higher on HW 2, come to the front of the room after class to receive your Hawaiian treat!
See the photo album that I made for this trip.
The atmospheric layers are shown here, along with a good description of the various layers here.
You should also be aware of the difference between weather and climate. Weather is the day-to-day circulation patterns that we see in our atmosphere. The atmosphere tries to distribute heat from warm areas to cooler areas. This causes winds, and the water cycle on Earth introduces clouds, rain, hurricanes, etc. Climate is long-term variations in the Earth's atmosphere (e.g. warming or cooling trends over decades or centuries). Climate changes are difficult to measure over short time scales, but can have more profound effects on life on Earth.
Isabel image from NASA, global warming image from EPA.