The polar regions are unique laboratories for carrying out research on both the atmosphere and the near-Earth space environment. The relatively undisturbed conditions help us explore phenomena like the greenhouse effect and the springtime Antarctic ozone depletion, the so-called ozone hole. Further out, uv and x-radiation from the Sun produce the Earth s Ionosphere, vital for man s communication network. Yet satellite and polar research is showing us how events on the Sun can adversely affect this near-Earth space environment.