The theory of multiple scattering of radiation in plane parallel atmospheres

A review is provided of multiple scattering theory associated with radiative transfer problems in planetary atmospheres. The radiative transfer equation pertaining to a scattering, absorbing, and emitting medium is considered. Analytic solutions are presented and computational aspects are discussed for plane parallel atmospheres. These computationally efficient and reliable solutions can be used to attack a multitude of radiative transfer problems in realistic atmospheres. Computational illustration is provided, a discussion of certain applications of the theory is presented, and some remaining theoretical problems are pointed out.