ScienceJuly 17, 2026
thermosphere
ˈθɜːrməˌsfɪər
Definition
The outer layer of Earth's atmosphere, characterized by high temperatures and thin, tenuous gas, where the International Space Station orbits.
Etymology
The term combines the Greek word 'thermos' (heat) with 'sphere' (a ball or globe). It was coined to describe this specific atmospheric layer where temperatures reach extreme levels due to solar radiation absorption.
In the news
The article uses the thermosphere to explain the station's environment, where solar heating causes the atmosphere to expand and increase drag on the station, forcing it to fall faster.
The International Space Station loses about 100 meters of altitude a day and must be shoved back up by a docked Russian thruster roughly once a month to keep from falling
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com