mesosferin

Mesosferin, also known as mesospheric airglow, is a faint emission of light that occurs in the mesosphere, the third layer of Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction of solar radiation with atmospheric gases, primarily oxygen and sodium. Mesosferin is typically observed as a diffuse glow that can be seen from the ground, often appearing as a faint, greenish or reddish band in the night sky. The emission is strongest in the polar regions and is often associated with auroras, although it is not the same as the auroral light.

The mesosphere is located approximately 50 to 85 kilometers above the Earth's surface, making it the highest layer of the atmosphere that can be seen from the ground. Mesosferin is most visible during the summer months in the polar regions, when the mesosphere is at its coldest. The cold temperatures cause the atmospheric gases to become more concentrated, increasing the likelihood of collisions between gas molecules and solar radiation, which in turn increases the intensity of the light emission.

Mesosferin is a relatively recent discovery, with the first observations being made in the late 20th century. Scientists have since used these observations to study the dynamics of the mesosphere and the interaction between solar radiation and atmospheric gases. The phenomenon has also been used to study the effects of climate change on the mesosphere, as changes in temperature and gas composition can affect the intensity and appearance of mesosferin.

In summary, mesosferin is a faint emission of light that occurs in the mesosphere, caused by the interaction of solar radiation with atmospheric gases. It is most visible in the polar regions during the summer months and has been used to study the dynamics of the mesosphere and the effects of climate change.