Definition of ionosphere
: the part of the earth's atmosphere in which ionization of atmospheric gases affects the propagation of radio waves, which extends from about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the exosphere, and which is contiguous with the upper portion of the mesosphere and the thermosphere; also : a comparable region of charged particles surrounding another celestial body (such as Venus)
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Recent Examples of ionosphere from the Web
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In this classified program, the U.S. government launched high-altitude balloons into the ionosphere, hoping to monitor Russian nuclear tests.
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The vapor tracers will allow scientists on the ground to view the movement of the particles in the ionosphere, a part of Earth's atmosphere that stretches to the edge of space, to learn more about the movement of the air currents at that altitude.
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The launch tested a new system that helps studies of the ionosphere and aurora.
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The rocket launch will support deeper studies of the ionosphere — a zone of the Earth's outer atmosphere — and aurora, NASA said.
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The 670-pound rocket is on a fact-finding mission to support studies of the ionosphere and aurora, but its purpose is overshadowed here on Earth by 10 Pepsi-can-sized canisters.
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NASA will release luminescent clouds above the Mid-Atlantic coast while testing a new system to support studies of the ionosphere.
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BALTIMORE — NASA will release luminescent clouds above the Mid-Atlantic coast while testing a new system to support studies of the ionosphere.
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This is the first detection of metal ions in the ionosphere of any planet other than Earth.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ionosphere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of ionosphere
1926
IONOSPHERE Defined for Kids
ionosphere
playDefinition of ionosphere for Students
: the part of the earth's atmosphere beginning at an altitude of about 30 miles (50 kilometers) and extending outward that contains electrically charged particles
Learn More about ionosphere
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See words that rhyme with ionosphere Spanish Central: Translation of ionosphere Nglish: Translation of ionosphere for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ionosphere
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