Atmospheric effects in astroparticle physics experiments and the challenge of ever greater precision in measurements

•Experiments using the atmosphere as part of their detector require a continuous monitoring of atmospheric properties.•Systematic uncertainties related to the atmosphere become a limiting factor in measurements.•This review presents the different atmospheric effects to consider in the wavelength range 300–1100nm.•A non-exhaustive list of instruments and techniques to monitor the atmosphere is given.•A discussion on interdisciplinary sciences is proposed about the link between astroparticle physics and Earth sciences.