"We depend on aeronautical weather charts that provide us a thorough picture, including jet streams, pressure systems, turbulence estimations.
Destination predictions, and alternative weather, up to an estimated height of 70,000 feet.
It may seem like there is nothing to worry about in terms of "Earthly weather" for us atmospheric explorers after that.
The ionosphere may be severely damaged by solar storms and cosmic radiation, making long-distance HF communications a difficult task.
Conversely, these occurrences are the cause of one of nature's most captivating spectacles: the Northern Lights.
Their hundreds of kilometers of glowing ribbons and pillars create a dazzling display of neon colors.
As we crossed the North Atlantic over the 40th meridian west, we saw an ethereal show of lights, purple, turquoise, and green.
It seemed like the pinnacle of perfection, with only the stars, constellations, and aurora-lit clouds for company.