What is the study of the atmosphere and weather on other planets called?

The study of the atmosphere and weather on other planets is known as exoplanetary meteorology. This branch of science focuses specifically on understanding the climate systems, atmospheric dynamics, and weather phenomena that occur on planets outside our own, including those in different solar systems.

The term encompasses various aspects of planetary atmospheres, including the composition, temperature, pressure, and weather patterns that may exist. Exoplanetary meteorology is essential for studying how different planets might support weather systems, which is particularly important for understanding the potential habitability of these worlds and their atmospheres.

Planetary climatology, while related, generally deals more with the long-term climate characteristics of solid bodies (including Earth) rather than the atmospheric dynamics happening in real-time. Astrobiology focuses on the potential for life in the universe, examining factors that could lead to life but does not specifically address weather systems. Astronomy is a broader field that studies celestial bodies and phenomena in the universe but does not narrowly focus on planetary atmospheres and weather.

Thus, exoplanetary meteorology is the most specific and accurately descriptive term for the study of atmospheres and weather processes on planets beyond Earth.