2007-12-08 15:47:46 · 6 answers · asked by Gonzo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The atmosphere doesn't end at a certain altitude, it just fades away as you get higher. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:
"There is no definite boundary between the atmosphere and outer space. It slowly becomes thinner and fades into space. ... In the United States, people who travel above an altitude of 80.5 km are designated astronauts. ... The Kármán line, at 100 km, is also frequently regarded as the boundary between atmosphere and outer space."
2007-12-08 15:55:28 · answer #1 · answered by John B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The outer most layer of the atmosphere is called exosphere.This begins at a height of 600 Kms which marks the end of thermosphere.In the exosphere,the atmosphere gradually fades away towards the space till it merges with the inter-planetary gases of space.Temperature ranges from 300 degree C to 1700 degree C.Helium and hydrogen are the main elements.But molecules are widely spaced and lack of gravity allows gases to escape into space.As the gravity is very less in this layer,the beginning of this layer i.e. 600 Kms can be taken as the altitude of the atmosphere.
2007-12-08 22:42:20 · answer #2 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe the upper limit of Earth's atmosphere to be roughly 100 miles (160km), which is the altitude where a satellite can keep a sustained orbit, (that is, more than one orbit).
BTW, the International Space Station orbits Earth at an altitude of 240 miles, and the Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth at 350 miles up, and there is no danger of either one re-entering Earth's atmosphere anytime soon.
2007-12-08 16:34:40 · answer #3 · answered by David H. 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you consider all the layers it is about 100-120 km.
2007-12-08 18:26:54 · answer #4 · answered by Asker 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
about 100km up atmosphere stops and space starts
2015-02-26 23:13:33 · answer #5 · answered by Harry 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
100 mi, roughly....
2007-12-08 16:27:38 · answer #6 · answered by autoglide 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋