The highest layer of Earth's atmosphere is the exosphere. It extends from about 375 miles (600 km) to 6,200 miles (10,000 km) above the Earth's surface. This layer is so thin that it's essentially considered the beginning of outer space.
The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, and it's characterized by extremely low density and temperature. It's primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with only a few atoms per cubic centimeter. The exosphere is also the layer where satellites orbit the Earth.
Here's a breakdown of the layers of Earth's atmosphere from lowest to highest:
- Troposphere: This is the layer closest to the Earth's surface and is where we live. It's also where most weather occurs.
- Stratosphere: This layer contains the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- Mesosphere: This layer is where most meteors burn up.
- Thermosphere: This layer is where the International Space Station orbits. It's also where auroras occur.
- Exosphere: This is the outermost layer of the atmosphere and blends into outer space.
