 The
exosphere is the upper part of the thermosphere and continues until it
gradually merges with interplanetary gases or outer space. In
this low density region hydrogen and helium are the prime components.
The Earth is also constantly bombarded with the
solar wind, which are plasma particles generated by the Sun. We
are protected from this onslaught of radiation by the magnetosphere which
is above our atmosphere. The envelope of gas becomes less and less as
you go into space. The magnetosphere is a complex configuration of
plasma, particles and electrical currents in a forever changing
situation.
The magnetosphere interacts with the atmosphere
occasionally, especially when the magnetosphere is disturbed by solar
winds. The upper atmosphere is bombarded with charged particles. This
sometimes interferes with transmission of electromagnetic waves and may
affect the ozone layers. Along the poles this region is called the auroral
ovals. In the North Pole they are called the Northern Lights or
aurora borealis. In the southern area they are referred to as the aurora
australis.
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