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ionosphere

1 of 1noun
/aɪˈɑnəsfɪr/
Forms:ionospheres
1

a layer in the upper atmosphere containing ions and free electrons, affecting radio communication and contributing to auroras

Learn more on Wikipedia
  • The ionosphere reflects radio waves, allowing long-distance communication by bouncing signals off this atmospheric layer.
  • The ionosphere is crucial for the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS), aiding accurate location determination.
  • Radio signals passing through the ionosphere experience changes in propagation due to the presence of ions and free electrons.
  • The ionosphere's density varies with altitude and time, affecting the behavior of electromagnetic waves passing through it.
  • Auroras, like the Northern Lights, are produced when charged particles from the Sun interact with the ionosphere.