What is the layer of the atmosphere directly above the stratosphere called?

The layer of the atmosphere directly above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. This atmospheric layer extends from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to around 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. In the mesosphere, temperatures decrease with altitude, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere.

Understanding the structure of the atmosphere is essential, as each layer has distinct properties and plays a crucial role in atmospheric science. The mesosphere is significant for various atmospheric phenomena, including the occurrence of meteors, which burn up upon entering this layer due to atmospheric pressure and temperature conditions. Other layers, such as the exosphere and thermosphere, are above the mesosphere, but they do not directly follow the stratosphere. The aerosphere is not a recognized layer of the atmosphere. Thus, the mesosphere is correctly identified as the layer immediately above the stratosphere.