The mesosphere is primarily responsible for protecting Earth’s surface from being hit by most meteoroids, as it causes them to disintegrate before they can reach the ground. This layer acts as a shield by creating friction with the high-speed entering meteoroids, leading to their disintegration.
Key takeaways
- The mesosphere is the atmospheric layer that prevents most meteoroids from striking Earth’s surface.
- Meteoroids encounter extreme friction and heat upon entering the mesosphere at high speeds, which leads to their disintegration.
- Understanding the mesosphere is vital for planetary defense, as it plays a crucial role in naturally protecting the planet from space debris.
Mesosphere: Earth’s Shield Against Meteoroids
The mesosphere is one of Earth’s upper atmospheric layers, lying above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It typically extends from about 50 to 85 kilometers above our planet’s surface, making it a middle ground in the atmospheric stratification. Its unique properties, including lower air density and temperatures that can drop below -90°C, turn it into a formidable barrier against meteoroids. When these space rocks plummet towards Earth, they encounter the mesosphere’s thin air, which induces significant friction. This friction generates intense heat, causing the meteoroids to burn up and disintegrate before they can reach the ground, thereby acting as a vital layer of protection for our planet.
The Role of Friction and High-Speed Entry in Meteoroid Disintegration
When meteoroids make their high-speed entry into Earth’s atmosphere, they are traveling at speeds that can exceed tens of thousands of kilometers per hour. Upon entry, these fast-moving objects are met with the air molecules in the atmosphere, particularly in the mesosphere. The interaction between the meteoroids and the air molecules creates friction, which in turn generates immense amounts of heat. This heat is so intense that it causes the meteoroids to heat up rapidly and start burning, leading to their disintegration before they can reach the Earth’s surface. This process of burning up is commonly known as a “meteor” or a “shooting star,” which is a streak of light we sometimes can observe in the night sky.
Understanding the Importance of the Mesosphere in Planetary Defense
The mesosphere plays a critical role in planetary defense, serving as an unsung hero in celestial protection. It acts as a natural shield, safeguarding the Earth from potential impacts by breaking down smaller celestial bodies like meteoroids. If not for the mesosphere, many of these high-velocity space rocks could strike the Earth’s surface, potentially causing significant damage depending on their size and composition. Its ability to disintegrate meteoroids before they can become meteors is key to minimizing the number of meteorites that actually land on Earth. This function of the mesosphere is invaluable in maintaining the safety and stability of our planet’s environment.
Mesosphere Image by: ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO, via Wikimedia Commons
Vapor trail of a house-sized asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere Image Source: NASA