| Summary: | The theory of absorption by molecular oxygen in the wavelength region between 1 and 10 millimeters is summarized, and experimental methods of measuring atmospheric absorption are discussed. It is concluded that the agreement between experiment and theory is in general satisfactory. Short-period fluctuations in atmospheric absorption, possibly correlated with variations in the earth's magnetic field or other external factors, have been suspected. The probable effects of time-varying external fields, Zeeman splitting, and statistical orientations of the oxygen molecule in the magnetic field are analyzed. None of these factors appear to explain the suspected variations. A limited experimental program is included in the study.
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