Layers of the Atmosphere

Thermosphere

The thermosphere is the fourth, last, and highest layer of the atmosphere. It is also the hottest layer because energy from the sun strikes the thermosphere first. Weirdly enough, if you were actually in the thermosphere, you would not feel warm at all. The thermosphere is divided into two parts, the ionosphere, and the exosphere.

Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Also, the troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere in which we live. Weather occurs here, too.

Exosphere

The exosphere is the outer layer of the thermosphere and the atmosphere. Satellites used for long-distance phone calls and TV orbit in the exosphere.

Ionosphere

The ionosphere is the lower layer of the thermosphere. This layer is the layer where the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, occurs.

Mesosphere

The mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere, and the middle layer as well. Also, the mesosphere is the layer in which meteoroids falling to Earth burn up. The meteoroids leave a trail behind them. You may know them as shooting stars. Interestingly, the thermosphere continues on through space forever.

Stratosphere

The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere. Also, the upper stratosphere contains a layer of ozone (oxygen with three atoms). Weather balloons burst in this layer, too.