I spent the bulk of my scientific career studying the ozone layer. My studies started
in the early 1970s with the realization that chemistry was important to the ozone layer.
I was privileged to be part of the group of scientists who participated in the rapid evolution
of the understanding of the ozone layer and the factors leading to its depletion. Between
the early 1970s and 1990s scientists from a wide variety of disciplines contributed to the
development of the discipline of stratospheric ozone science. Development was rapid and
as early as 1987 the international Montreal Protocol was in place to eventually be
ratified by all countries of the world.
I am interested in the history of ozone research prior to 1970. The basis for the understanding
of the ozone layer was developed over many decades and even centuries and is synonymous with
the development of our understanding of the chemistry and physics of the world that we
live in. I have decided that I will use this blog to write down some of the history that
I have picked up in my reading of the old literature. I will start with the
realization that ozone is a substance rather than just a smell from electricity.
We will then see where the essays lead.
Rich Stolarski
December 2023
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