What is the difference between 空気 and 大気? {}{} and {}{} both share the definitions of air or atmosphere as their main definitions. I see they both have distinct additional definitions (the former can be used for mood, and the latter for generosity), and that {}{} shows air ahead of atmosphere, whereas {}{} does the opposite (at least in Shirabe Jisho, the dictionary I'm using). Are there specific circumstances over which one should be used over the other when referring to air/atmosphere, or are they completely interchangeable for this definition?

is normally translated as "air," the kind that you can breathe, or put into a balloon.

specifically refers to the huge layer of air/gas surrounding the earth (or sometimes, another planet). You cannot breathe in , nor can you put into a balloon, but you can leave the with a rocket.