Auroras are found and space shuttles fly in this layer.
a. thermosphere
b. exosphere
c. mesosphere
d. stratosphere
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. thermosphere.
The thermosphere is a layer of Earth’s atmosphere located above the mesosphere and below the exosphere, roughly between 80 km and 550 km above the Earth’s surface. This layer is characterized by very high temperatures, which can rise significantly due to the absorption of solar radiation by oxygen and nitrogen molecules. The thermosphere plays a vital role in atmospheric phenomena and space exploration.
Auroras, such as the Northern and Southern Lights, occur in the thermosphere. These beautiful light displays are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind, with Earth’s magnetic field. As these particles collide with gases in the thermosphere, primarily oxygen and nitrogen, they release energy in the form of light, creating the auroras. The intensity and color of the auroras depend on the type of gas involved and the altitude at which the collision occurs.
The thermosphere is also where space shuttles, satellites, and other spacecraft orbit Earth. While the thermosphere itself is not technically part of space, it is the region where low Earth orbit (LEO) begins. The air density in this layer is extremely low, but there are still enough particles to cause drag on satellites, requiring occasional adjustments in their orbits. The thermosphere also absorbs much of the sun’s ultraviolet and X-ray radiation, which protects the lower layers of the atmosphere from harmful radiation.
In summary, the thermosphere is essential for both natural phenomena like auroras and human activities like space exploration. It represents a crucial interface between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.