ionosphere
nounUK /aɪˈɒn.ə.sfɪə/
US /aɪˈɑː.nə.sfɪr/
The ionosphere is a high layer of air around Earth that has tiny electric particles and helps radio signals travel far.
Radio waves can bounce off the ionosphere and reach places far away.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The part of Earth's upper atmosphere where gases are ionized by solar radiation.
Scientists study the ionosphere to understand how solar storms affect communication.
3. A region used in radio communication because it reflects certain radio frequencies.
Ham radio operators often use the ionosphere to talk across continents.
4. The layer of the atmosphere that contains the ionosphere, overlapping the thermosphere and exosphere.
Satellites in low orbit pass through the ionosphere and experience drag.