Layers of Atmosphere (NOAA) The Kármán line is an internationally designated altitude commonly used to define outer space. According to definitions by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the Karman or Kármán line lies at a height of 100 km (about 62 miles) above Earth's surface (ie. in technical terms 100 km above mean sea level). It was named after Theodore von Kármán. Download high resolution version (181x965, 45 KB)Layers of Atmosphere leading to space. ...
Download high resolution version (181x965, 45 KB)Layers of Atmosphere leading to space. ...
Altitude is the elevation of an object from a known level or datum. ...
This article or section seems not to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia entry. ...
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) is a standard setting and record-keeping body for aeronautics and astronautics. ...
The term above mean sea level (AMSL) refers to the elevation (on the ground) or altitude (in the air) of any object, relative to the average sea level. ...
Theodore von Kármán (Szőllőskislaki Kármán Tódor) (May 11, 1881 – May 6, 1963) was an engineer and physicist who was active primarily in the fields of aeronautics during the seminal era in the 1940s and 1950s. ...
Around this altitude the Earth's atmosphere becomes negligible for aeronautic purposes, and there is an abrupt increase in atmospheric temperature and interaction with solar radiation. Layers of Atmosphere (NOAA) Air redirects here. ...
Temperature is also the name of a song by Sean Paul. ...
Overview
Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as an end to Earth's atmosphere: An atmosphere does not technically end at any given height, but becomes progressively thinner with altitude. Also, depending on how the various layers that make up the space around the Earth are defined (and depending on whether these layers are considered as part of the actual atmosphere), the definition of the edge of space could vary considerably: If one were to consider the thermosphere and exosphere part of the atmosphere and not of space, one might have to place the boundary to space as high as about 10,000 km (~6200 miles) up. When studying aeronautics and astronautics in the 1950's, Karman calculated that above an altitude of roughly 100 km (~62 miles), a vehicle would have to fly faster than orbital velocity in order to derive sufficient aerodynamic lift from the atmosphere to support itself. Though the calculated altitude was not exactly 100 km, Karman proposed that 100 km be designated the boundary to space as the round number is more memorable and the calculated altitude varies minutely as certain parameters are varied. An international committee recommended the 100 km line to the FAI, and upon adoption it became the internationally accepted boundary to space. Earth (often referred to as the Earth) is the third planet in the solar system in terms of distance from the Sun, and the fifth in order of size. ...
The thermosphere is the layer of the Earths atmosphere directly above the mesosphere and directly below the exosphere. ...
The exosphere (from the Greek words exo = out(side) and sphaira = ball) is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere. ...
The orbital speed of a body, generally a planet, a natural satellite, an artificial satellite, or a multiple star, is the speed at which it orbits around the barycenter of a system, usually around a more massive body. ...
Another hurdle to strictly defining the boundary to space is the dynamic nature of Earth's atmosphere. For example; at an altitude of 1000 km, the atmosphere's density may vary by a factor of five, depending on the time of day, time of year, AP magnetic index, and recent solar flux.
The FAI apparently doesn't itself use the precise words "boundary to space" or "edge of space"; the FAI uses the term "Kármán line" or speaks of a "100 km altitude boundary for astronautics", as also reflected in their following two definitions (quoted verbatim from their website):
- Aeronautics -- For FAI purposes, aerial activity, including all air sports, within 100 kilometres of Earth's surface.
- Astronautics -- For FAI purposes, activity more than 100 kilometres above Earth's surface.
The article on the Kármán line under External links below has a more detailed explanation on how this boundary was determined.
A diluted definition Some people (including the FAI in some of their publications) also use the expression "edge of space" to refer to a very vaguely defined (essentially undefined) region below the actual 100 km boundary to space, which is often meant to include substantially lower regions as well. Thus, certain balloon or airplane flights might be described as "reaching the edge of space", when they really don't even go half as high as 100 km up. In such statements, "reaching the edge of space" merely refers to going somewhat higher than average aeronautical vehicles would commonly. Balloons are a type of lighter than air aircraft that remain aloft due to their buoyancy. ...
An Air France Boeing 777, a modern passenger jet. ...
The U.S. definition U.S. authorities define the boundary to space to lie at a height of 50 miles (about 80 km) above mean sea level, about where the mesosphere ends. This definition is thought by some to be outdated, and is not commonly accepted internationally. Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic - President George W. Bush (R) - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized...
The mesosphere (from the Greek words mesos = middle and sphaira = ball) is the layer of the Earths atmosphere that is directly above the stratosphere and directly below the thermosphere. ...
See also An Astronaut Badge is a United States, awarded to military aviation pilots who have completed Astronaut training with NASA and performed a successful space flight. ...
There sometimes appears to be confusion among the general public about the difference between sub-orbital and orbital spaceflights. ...
Atmosphere diagram showing stratosphere The stratosphere is a layer of Earths atmosphere that is stratified in temperature, with warmer layers higher up and cooler layers farther down. ...
The Troposphere is the lowermost portion of Earths atmosphere. ...
External links - Article on the Karman line at the FAI website
- Layers of the Atmosphere - NOAA
|
Feeds |
Contact