thermosfääri

The thermosphere is the fourth layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from approximately 80 to 600 kilometers (50 to 373 miles) above the surface. It is characterized by its extremely high temperatures, which can reach up to 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day due to the absorption of intense solar radiation. Despite these high temperatures, the thermosphere is extremely thin, with a density similar to that found in outer space. This layer is home to the International Space Station (ISS) and other low Earth orbit satellites.

The thermosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and helium, with trace amounts of other gases. It is also the layer where the auroras, or Northern and Southern Lights, occur. These phenomena are the result of the interaction between solar particles and the Earth's magnetic field, which funnels these particles into the thermosphere.

The thermosphere plays a crucial role in space weather and telecommunications. It is the layer where radio waves are reflected back to Earth, enabling long-distance communication. Additionally, the thermosphere is affected by solar activity, which can cause disruptions in satellite operations and power grids on Earth.

The boundary between the thermosphere and the exosphere above it is known as the thermopause. The thermopause altitude varies with solar activity, expanding during periods of high solar activity and contracting during periods of low solar activity.