thermospheres

The thermosphere is the fourth layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the mesosphere and below the exosphere. Its name derives from the Greek word "thermos," meaning heat, due to the extremely high temperatures found within this layer. These temperatures can range from approximately 500 degrees Celsius (932 degrees Fahrenheit) at the bottom to over 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit) at the top. Despite these high temperatures, the air in the thermosphere is so thin that it would feel very cold to us because very few molecules are present to transfer heat.

The thermosphere begins at an altitude of about 80 to 100 kilometers (50 to 62 miles) above Earth's surface and extends to roughly 600 to 1,000 kilometers (370 to 620 miles). A significant phenomenon occurring in the thermosphere is the aurora borealis and aurora australis, commonly known as the Northern and Southern Lights. These spectacular displays of light are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the thermosphere. The International Space Station and many other satellites orbit within this layer, benefiting from the relatively low atmospheric drag compared to lower layers. The thermosphere's density varies greatly with solar activity, expanding significantly during periods of high solar radiation.