thermosphere

thermosphere, region of increasing temperature in Earth’s atmosphere that is located above the mesosphere. The base of the thermosphere (the mesopause) is at an altitude of about 80 km (50 miles), whereas its top (the thermopause) is at about 450 km.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.

Citation Information

Article Title: thermosphere

Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

Date Published: 07 February 2022

URL: https://www.britannica.comhttps://www.britannica.com/science/thermosphere

Access Date: March 03, 2025