Therefore, more lower mass atoms will be lost from a planet's atmosphere than higher mass atoms. Our technology has advanced to the state where humans can significantly affect and alter the atmosphere of Earth. There is a lesson to be learned here. Another potential human-made problem is the ozone hole. Ozone is a molecule consisting of 3 atoms of oxygen.
Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation in our atmosphere.
However, chlorofluorocarbons from spray cans, jet engine exhaust, etc. are slowly breaking down the ozone layer, especially over the Antarctic. Further erosion of the ozone layer would permit more ultraviolet light onto the Earth's surface which would lead to an increase in skin cancer and to crop failures. Powering a Star Astronomers were puzzled for many years by how stars like the Sun produce their energy. The answer came with an understanding of nuclear reactions in the middle of this century. Protons are converted into helium, and in the process light energy is given off.