Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
thermosphere
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History
Images
layers of Earth's atmosphere atmosphere: vertical structure
Related Questions
Read Next
Earth from space. Full-hemisphere views of the Earth showing Hurricane Linda at its peak approaching Baja California on 1997 September 11.
What Is Earth’s Velocity?
September 11, 2005, ozone thinning over antarctica reached its maximum extent for the year.
Is the Ozone Layer Finally Healing Itself?
Blackboard inscribed with scientific formulas and calculations in physics and mathematics
The World Science Festival’s Pioneers in Science
Solar system illustration. (planets; sun)
Why Are Planets Round?
Lightning over the outskirts of Oradea, Rom., during the thunderstorm of August 17, 2005.
16 Questions About Earth’s Atmsophere and Weather Answered
Discover
Space race (1957-1969) infographic between United States (U.S.) and Russia. America, Soviet Union, U.S.S.R., space exploration
Timeline of the Space Race, 1957–69
Adolf Hitler (Nazi, nazism, German leader).
9 Things You Might Not Know About Adolf Hitler
A mug shot taken by the regional Colombia control agency in Medellin
Pablo Escobar: 8 Interesting Facts About the King of Cocaine
Camel at Khor Rori, Oman; mammal.
Do Camels Store Water in Their Humps?
Solar eclipse of the sun.
The Sun Was Eaten: 6 Ways Cultures Have Explained Eclipses
Moonrise over Tucson, Arizona
Why Doesn’t Arizona Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Calendar marking march 15th
What Is the “Ides” of March?

thermosphere

atmospheric science
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/science/thermosphere
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Article History
Related Topics:
atmosphere

thermosphere, region of increasing temperature in Earth’s atmosphere that is located above the mesosphere. The base of the thermosphere (the mesopause) is at an altitude of about 80 km (50 miles), whereas its top (the thermopause) is at about 450 km.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.