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Research and public service in the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere of the Earth and other planets, and of outer space.
The precise measurement of the solar spectrum outside the atmosphere and its variability are fundamental inputs for solar physics (Sun modeling), terrestrial atmospheric photochemistry and the Earth's climate (climate 's modeling).

Formic acid contributes significantly to acid rain in remote environments. Direct sources of formic acid include human activities, biomass burning and plant leaves. Aside from these direct sources, sunlight-induced oxidation of non-methane hydrocarbons (largely of biogenic origin) is probably the largest source.