Contrails, the icy clouds formed by airplanes, contribute significantly to aviation's environmental impact by trapping heat. A new study by Fangqun Yu at the University at Albany investigates how these contrails form, focusing on the role of soot and volatile particles from engine exhaust.

While it was thought that volatile particles only mattered when soot emissions were very low, Yu's research shows they can contribute to contrail formation even at moderate soot levels. This finding has important implications for understanding the climate impact of current and future aircraft, especially as the industry shifts towards sustainable fuels and new engine technologies. Yu's work aims to improve contrail prediction and inform strategies for mitigating their climate effects.

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