Where does planet Earth end?

 

Where does planet Earth end?

Planet Earth is protected by layers of gases called the atmosphere. At around 62 miles (100 km) above sea level, the Earth’s atmosphere ends and space begins. This is called the Karman line.

 

Troposphere: 0–12 miles (0–20 km)

This layer is where weather happens. It’s the only layer where we can naturally breathe.

 

Stratosphere: 30–53 miles (50–85 km)

The stratosphere includes the ozone layer. The sun’s rays bounce off the ozone layer, protecting the Earth.

 

Mesosphere: 30–53 miles (50–85 km)

This is the coldest part of the Earth’s atmosphere. It

is where meteors break up before they can hit the Earth.

 

Thermosphere: 53–430 miles (85–695 km)

This layer is the last one before the atmosphere fades into space. The Karman line is in this layer. Temperatures can reach 3,600°F (2,000°C).

 

Exosphere: 430–6,200 miles (690–10,000 km)

This is the final layer of the atmosphere, where air completely runs out to become airless outer space.

 

Do other planets have atmospheres?

 

Jupiter

Jupiter is a planet made from gas. It has a thick atmosphere made up of hydrogen, helium, methane, and ammonia gases.

 

Mercury

Mercury is a rocky planet with low gravity and almost no atmosphere. Gases around Mercury are blown away by the sun’s solar wind.

 

True or false?

1. The atmosphere is held in place by gravity.

2. Earth is the only planet with an atmosphere.

3. The stratosphere has warmer layers higher up and cooler layers lower down.