LASER SOUNDING OF THE ATMOSPHERE IS DISCUSSED AS A GOOD PROSPECTIVE METHOD FOR FORECASTING WEATHER AND FOR DETERMINING LEVELS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION. AN EXPLANATION OF THE METHOD IS PROVIDED, WITH EXAMPLES DRAWN FROM EXPERIENCE IN DETERMINING THE LOCATIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF WATER VAPOR, SODIUM VAPOR AND NITROGEN. A PLEA IS MADE THAT THE TECHNIQUE AND EQUIPMENT BE MORE VIGOROUSLY DEVELOPED.