Atmospheric Science at CERN: the CLOUD experiment

by Eva Sommer (University of Vienna)

Wednesday 26 Mar 2025, 15:00 → 16:00 Europe/Rome

Sala riunioni 250 (INFN - Pisa)

Abstract:
This talk will provide an overview of the CERN CLOUD experiment, which explores the formation of atmospheric aerosol particles from trace gas molecules, with a particular focus on the role of cosmic ray-generated ions. Atmospheric aerosols and their interactions with clouds are critical for regulating Earth's radiative balance, making this research essential for understanding anthropogenic climate change. Over more than a decade of operation, CLOUD has made substantial contributions to this field. 
The centerpiece of the experiment is the CLOUD chamber, the world's cleanest facility for aerosol formation studies. The talk will cover the experimental setup, its unique capabilities, the scientific motivation behind the experiment, and key findings that enhance our understanding of atmospheric particle formation and its impact on the global climate.