Key features of the mesosphere:

• Temperature: The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, with temperatures decreasing with altitude. At its upper boundary, temperatures can reach as low as -130 degrees Fahrenheit (-90 degrees Celsius).
• Mesopause: This is the boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere. It is the coldest point in the atmosphere, with temperatures reaching their lowest point here.
• Meteoroid ablation: The mesosphere is the region where meteoroids burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, creating visible streaks of light known as meteors or shooting stars.
• Noctilucent clouds: These are rare, thin, and wispy clouds that can sometimes be observed in the mesosphere during the summer months at high latitudes. They are the highest clouds in the Earth's atmosphere and are illuminated by the sun after it has set below the horizon.

Study Guide for the Mesosphere:

Here are some key points to remember when studying the mesosphere:

1. What is the temperature range of the mesosphere?
2. Where is the mesopause located and what is its significance?
3. What happens to meteoroids in the mesosphere?
4. What are noctilucent clouds and where are they found?
5. Why is the mesosphere important for studying Earth's atmosphere?

Understanding the mesosphere is important for grasping the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere and its role in protecting life on Earth from harmful solar radiation. It also plays a crucial role in understanding phenomena such as meteor showers and the behavior of gases at high altitudes.

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