Solar and Planetary Variations and Atmospheric Transparency

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The aim of this study, which is a continuation and extension of studies carried out since 1972, is to monitor the brightnesses of planets and satellites in the outer solar system along with their associated comparison stars in order to (1) set an upper limit to, or to detect, variability of the luminosity of the Sun; (2) study the properties, including seasonal and climate effects, of these bodies; and (3) study the natural variability of atmospheric transparency, including the long-lived effects of volcanism on the atmosphere, as well as possible anthropogenic influences. One important result of this work has been the discovery of clear evidence for a direct interaction between the global state of a planetary atmosphere and variable solar uv output. These effects are similar to the ones suspected and sought as inputs to possible solar-climate effects. Thus the work is important to sun-earth relationships in terms of changes in solar irradiance (climate change), variability in solar uv (atmospheric photochemistry) and observations of atmospheric aerosols (volcanoes).