aerosol
/ˈɛər.əˌsɒl/
Definition
A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, specifically used here to describe reflective substances sprayed into the upper atmosphere to deflect solar radiation.
Etymology
The word is a 1920s combination of 'aero-' (from the Greek 'aer' meaning air) and the suffix '-sol' (taken from 'solution'), representing a substance dispensed as a mist or fine dispersion in air.
In the news
The article discusses 'stratospheric aerosol injection' as a potential geoengineering tool where sulphur dioxide particles are released into the sky to reflect sunlight and cool the Earth. It highlights the risk that these particles may behave unpredictably or cause unintended climate shifts.
Scientists could dim the Sun as a quick fix for the climate crisis. Here's why it could cause global chaos
Read the full article ↗BBC Sky at Night Magazine