What layer of the atmosphere is known for its extraordinarily high temperatures due to energy from the Sun?

The thermosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that is characterized by extraordinarily high temperatures. This is primarily due to its proximity to the Sun and the absorption of solar radiation. In the thermosphere, the energy from the Sun is absorbed by the sparse gas molecules present, leading to temperatures that can soar to thousands of degrees Celsius, although this does not equate to heat in terms of sensation due to the low density of these gas molecules.

In the thermosphere, solar activity, such as solar flares and increased sunspot activity, can lead to fluctuations in temperature and density. The absorbed radiation causes the particles in this layer to become highly energized, even if the overall atmosphere doesn’t feel hot due to the thinness of the air.

The stratosphere and mesosphere, while also layers of the atmosphere, do not experience these extreme temperatures. The stratosphere contains ozone that absorbs ultraviolet radiation, leading to a temperature increase, but not to the extent seen in the thermosphere. The mesosphere is the layer where temperatures actually decrease with altitude.

The exosphere represents the outermost layer where particles are so sparse that they can escape into space, and temperatures can vary but are not defined by the direct absorption of solar energy like in the thermosphere