Book excerpt: The book describes the theoretical fundamentals of atmospheric optics as a science of propagation, transformation and generation of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere from ultraviolet to microwave radiation. The main characteristics of the planets of the solar system and their atmospheres are given. The equation of the transfer of radiation in different spectral ranges, absorption of radiation by atmospheric gases and aerosol, molecular, aerosol and other types of nonresonant scattering, atmospheric refraction, reflection of radiation from the surface, and glow of the atmosphere are discussed. Methods of calculating radiation for the solar and thermal range of the spectrum are outlined. Problems of radiation energetics and remote probing of the atmosphere are discussed. 1. Solar system: planets and the Sun 2. Earth's atmosphere 3. Propagation of radiation in atmosphere 4. Molecular absorption in atmosphere 5. Scattering of light in atmosphere 6. Optical properties of underlying surfaces 7. Fundamentals of theory of transfer of natural radiation of atmosphere 8. Main concepts of theory of transfer of solar radiation 9. Radiation energetics of the atmosphereunderlying suface system 10. Radiation as a source of information on optical and physical parameters of planet atmospheres