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Peter Leonard is a leading figure in aerosol climate science, specializing in the evaluation and intercomparison of satellite-derived aerosol optical properties. His research is central to the AeroCom and AeroSat initiatives, where he works to bridge the gap between satellite observations and global climate models. Leonard’s major contributions include leading landmark studies that systematically intercompare multiple satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) datasets from different retrieval algorithms and sensors. His 2020 paper on this topic, which has garnered over 80 citations, is a foundational reference for understanding uncertainties in satellite AOD products used to constrain climate models. He has also advanced the critical but challenging measurement of absorbing aerosol optical depth (AAOD) and single scattering albedo (SSA), with a 2021 follow-up study receiving over 70 citations. By rigorously evaluating the strengths and limitations of various satellite products against ground-based AERONET data, Leonard’s work directly improves the observational constraints that underpin aerosol radiative forcing estimates. His research is essential for any scientist working to reduce uncertainty in climate projections.