by Angela Celozzi and Felice Dipace
How does observing the atmosphere transform into a shield for our planet? Let's try to understand this by analysing the main themes addressed during the 2026 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Symposium in Geneva, the first in-person global summit since 2017. Through an exploration of international networks and an interview with the GAW Programme Manager, Paolo Laj, a clear picture emerges: monitoring greenhouse gases, aerosols, and ozone is no longer a purely academic exercise, but the engine for developing alert systems against fires and sandstorms, protecting agriculture, and guiding climate policies. Between the urgency to embrace Artificial Intelligence, the need for open data policies, and the challenge of strengthening ground networks in the most vulnerable countries, the Symposium charts WMO's strategic course for the end of the decade.
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by Guido Guidi and Giancarlo Modugno
The icons represent a graphical synthesis of complex atmospheric information derived from mathematical models and post-processing procedures, but the need for simplification introduces unavoidable layers of interpretive uncertainty. Through references to communication theory and cognitive biases, the authors show how the meaning of icons can vary depending on the context, spatial and temporal scale, and how the weather message is used. The contribution delves into the theme of the representativeness of meteorological information and recent developments in impact-oriented communication, in line with WMO guidelines. Finally, possible future prospects related to the use of artificial intelligence in personalising meteorological communication are discussed.
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Read the full article in the Aeronautical Meteorology Review no. 2 of 2026
Edited by Giovanni Casella
Science at the South Pole rests on a complex operational machinery. Forty years after the start of Italian research, the 2025/2026 Antarctic campaign confirms the vital synergy of the “Country System”. On this extreme continent, where sudden weather variations govern all activity, the constant forecasting support from the Air Force Meteorological Service ensures the safety of flights, navigation, and researchers on the front line.
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by Dino Zardi
With September approaching and university enrolments opening, navigating the different study programmes is the first step in building your future. To facilitate an informed choice, this article offers a clear and up-to-date overview of the meteorological training opportunities currently available nationwide. It acts as a compass to explore the specificities of individual courses – from bachelor's degrees to master's – analysing their characteristics and their alignment with rigorous international professional standards.
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Read the full article in the Aeronautical Meteorology Review no. 2 of 2026
by Roberto Bove and Adriana Marcucci
Space weather is now a crucial operational necessity for protecting technological networks. The geomagnetic storm of May 2024, dubbed the Mother's Day Storm, reached G5 level for several hours and represented a severe stress test. Approximately two years later, this article offers a retrospective analysis of the solar dynamics that triggered this significant event, evaluating its impacts on critical systems to reiterate the urgency of continuous monitoring.
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Read the full article in the Aeronautical Meteorology Review no. 2 of 2026
by Sara Garino
History is not made solely by the deeds of great men but also by unpredictable natural phenomena, which rewrite its course. Weather has often acted as a silent and decisive protagonist of historical time, overturning military and political outcomes that seemed already decided. Through the account of some significant episodes – from the meteorological lull of D-Day to the fatal cloud cover over Kokura that doomed the city of Nagasaki, from Hannibal's victory over the Romans aided by fog to Napoleon's defeat in Russia by “General Winter,” and passing by cherry blossoms – the article explores the inseparable link between meteorology and human events. A captivating journey between science and chronicles that demonstrates how Nature, in its mutable and indomitable being, represents the true arbiter of the world's destiny.
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Read the full article in the Aeronautical Meteorology Magazine no. 1 of 2026
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Dear Readers,
Our journey into the heart of atmospheric sciences continues with a commitment that is renewed issue after issue: to make meteorology understandable and accessible. Although our discipline demands indispensable scientific rigour, our primary objective remains to translate its complexity, stripping away technicalities to make it clear, direct, and within everyone's reach.
In this journey of exploration and dissemination, the editorial team recently had the honour of attending the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Symposium in Geneva. It was a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the tireless work of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and, in particular, its profound awareness campaign aimed at reiterating the crucial importance of global atmospheric observation. This is a theme that we have endeavoured to describe in detail within this issue.
Maintaining a network of observational excellence requires each nation to make a significant economic, technological, and human effort; a silent commitment, the immediate usefulness of which risks sometimes escaping the eye of those outside the field. The WMO's objective is precisely to make all institutional and civil levels understand how absolutely vital this investment actually is. Indeed, everything starts from there. It is from that single piece of data, measured and archived silently day after day, that an entire scientific ecosystem comes to life. The development of numerical modelling, short and long-term forecasts, academic research, the construction of solid historical climate series, and even the most recent and complex applications of artificial intelligence: none of this could stand without basic measurements. Observation is the primary tool, the true lifeblood of every forecast and every meteorological warning system.
This observational commitment embraces the entire planet, but takes on almost heroic proportions and values when one moves to the Earth’s most extreme locations. Consider Antarctica: an immense and inhospitable natural laboratory, a frozen continent where meteorological data is a fundamental piece, not only for local forecasts, but for deciphering and understanding the climate destiny of the entire globe. In these harsh environments, observation becomes discovery and, at the same time, a measure of our own capacity for survival. A magnificent testament to our country’s deep commitment in this regard is the National Antarctic Research Programme (PNRA), which has recently celebrated its 40 years of activity. This is a scientific and human milestone of the highest calibre, for which the Air Force continues to provide, with pride and tireless dedication, its essential operational support.
You will also find further inspiration in this issue, with the hope that leafing through these pages will provide you not only with data and notions, but with genuine keys to understanding and interpreting the reality that surrounds us. It is an effort of translation and clarity that emerges clearly, for example, in the article where we guide you in discovering how a weather icon is born: a long and fascinating technical and creative journey, which allows us to summarise the immense work hidden behind a symbol of everyday use, such as the sun and cloud we glance at distractedly on the map of Italy.
We sincerely hope that, issue after issue, this strong bond of ours continues to open your minds and stimulate a healthy curiosity towards the countless and fascinating topics connected with atmospheric sciences.
Enjoy your read.
Angela Celozzi
Collaboration is open to all.
The published writings exclusively reflect the personal ideas of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official thinking of the Armed Force.
The articles, to be submitted in duplicate, must be unpublished, free from editorial constraints, and must not exceed 10 typed pages. Each author must accompany the article with photographs, drawings, and explanatory plates, along with a 10-line typed summary of the work. The Editorial Board reserves the right to use the submitted material, giving it the graphic layout deemed most appropriate, as well as making any variations that, without altering the content, may improve its effectiveness for the purpose of complete information. The material submitted, even if not published, will not be returned, unless formally requested by the author.
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Contributions to the Journal are open to everyone: academics, professionals in various fields of meteorology and climatology, and enthusiasts alike. The opinions expressed in the articles of the Rivista di Meteorologia Aeronautica represent the exclusive views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the spirit of the Italian Air Force Meteorological Service.
The papers are published at the sole discretion of the Editorial Committee, after seeking the opinion of the Scientific Committee. Submitted works, even if not published, will not be returned.
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The Armed Forces, however, may use the published material provided the source is cited.
Editorial Director General B.A. Urbano Floreani
Editor-in-Chief: Ten.Col. Angela CELOZZIangela.celozzi@aeronautica.difesa.it)
Editorial team:
Col. Guido GUIDI (guido.guidi@aeronautica.difesa.it)
Col. Vittorio VILLASMUNTAvittorio.villasmunta@aeronautica.difesa.it)
Col. Orazio DI CASOLA (orazio.dicasola@aeronautica.difesa.it)
Ten. Col. Iacopo BONANNIiacopo.bonanni@aeronautica.difesa.it)
Sergeant Major 2nd Class Maurizio COSCOmaurizio.cosco@aeronautica.difesa.it)
Mr Angelo DE SANTISangelo.desantis@persociv.difesa.it)
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Editorial team 06.4986.7039
E-mail: rivista.meteo@aeronautica.difesa.it
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