The layer of Earth's atmosphere extending from about 50 to 85 kilometers above the surface, characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude and the occurrence of meteors burning up. This is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, reaching temperatures as low as -90°C.
From Greek 'mesos' meaning 'middle' and 'sphaira' meaning 'sphere.' The term was coined in the 1950s as scientists developed a detailed understanding of atmospheric layering through rocket and satellite observations.
The mesosphere is where space meets Earth in the most spectacular way! This is nature's meteor incinerator, where shooting stars burn up in brilliant streaks, and it's so cold that it can freeze water vapor into the highest clouds on Earth - noctilucent clouds that glow eerily at night.
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