Background Information: Mesosphere
Characteristics:
- Altitude: The region that goes from the upper limit of the Stratosphere to an altitude of -80 kilometers.
- Composition: This is the ozone protective layer. Ultra-violet rays change free oxygen 1021 molecules to ozone 1031, a form of gas containing three atoms of oxygen. Ozone filters ultra-violet rays, so they are harnessed when they reach the earth's surface.
- Temperature: The temperature in this region ranges from -77 to -95 degrees Celsius, which makes it a dangerous region for spacemen. In general, the temperature decreases with increasing altitudes in this region Near the bottom of this layer, the atmosphere's ozone which absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun is concentrated and as a consequence, the stratosphere is heated from below.
