Atomic Oxygen in Earth's Upper Atmosphere
Date
Noctilucent or “night shining” clouds forming in the mesosphere as seen from the International Space Station on May 29, 2016. These clouds form between 47 to 53 miles (76 to 85 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, near the boundary of the mesosphere and thermosphere, a region known as the mesopause. SOFIA is making direct measurements of atomic oxygen in this region, solidifying some of the basic science of how solar energy is exchanged between the Earth’s surface and space.
Credit
(ESA/NASA/Tim Peake)
Image Number
SCI2021_0023
Additional Information
Atomic Oxygen in Earth's Upper Atmosphere
Instrument
GREAT
More Information
