The mesosphere plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth primarily by absorbing and burning up most meteoroids that enter our atmosphere. When these celestial bodies, which can range in size from tiny dust particles to larger rocks, approach the Earth, they encounter the thick layers of gas in the mesosphere, located at altitudes between about 50 to 85 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
As meteoroids travel through the mesosphere at incredibly high speeds, the friction between the meteoroid and the atmosphere generates intense heat, causing the meteoroid to disintegrate and break apart before it can reach the Earth’s surface. This is what gives rise to the phenomenon known as ‘shooting stars’ or meteor showers.
In addition to vaporizing meteoroids, the mesosphere also helps regulate atmospheric temperatures and contributes to the overall dynamics of weather patterns. By serving as a battleground for smaller space debris, the mesosphere effectively acts as a shield, preventing potential impacts that could cause harm to life on Earth.