Q:
Why do meteors burn up in the mesosphere?
A:
Quick Answer
Meteors burn up in the mesosphere when they encounter the molecules from that layer and rub up against them. This generates heat; ironically, the mesosphere is the coldest part of the atmosphere.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Jason Hullinger
CC-BY 2.0
Full Answer
When a meteor begins to enter the mesosphere, it immediately bumps into molecules of the Earth's coldest atmosphere and scrapes against them, causing friction and rapidly generating heat due to the speed of the meteor. The meteor begins to glow, and chips of the rock start to fly off. Although the air in the mesosphere is cold and thin, the presence of gas particles causes objects to heat up as they move past through the air.
Learn more about Comets & AsteroidsSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is found in the mesosphere?
A: The mesosphere, which is the third innermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, is comprised largely of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Its chemical com... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are facts about the thermosphere?
A: The thermosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere situated directly above the mesosphere and below the exosphere. The thermosphere performs several imp... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why is the mesosphere important?
A: The mesosphere is important, in part, because it is the layer in which most asteroids burn up. Additionally, while scientists have yet to study the phenome... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the coldest layer of the Earth's Atmosphere?
A: Temperatures can reach lows of -90 degrees Celsius in the mesosphere, making it the coldest layer of the earth's atmosphere. The mesosphere extends above t... Full Answer >Filed Under:
