ionosphere
noun
ion·o·sphere
ī-ˈä-nə-ˌsfir 
: 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)
Examples of ionosphere in a Sentence
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These blackouts usually only affect the sunlit side of the Earth, where the ionosphere is directly impacted by the flare's radiation.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Radio wave communications rely on the ionosphere to ricochet and volley transmissions around the Earth in a relay of signals.
—Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
The data collected will help assess how widespread the changes in the ionosphere are and compare the results to computer models.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024
Many online conspiracy theorists have zeroed in on the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, known as HAARP, which researches the ionosphere, as the brains behind Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
—Tess Owen, WIRED, 8 Oct. 2024
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Radio wave communications rely on the ionosphere to ricochet and volley transmissions around the Earth in a relay of signals.
—Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
The data collected will help assess how widespread the changes in the ionosphere are and compare the results to computer models.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024
Many online conspiracy theorists have zeroed in on the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, known as HAARP, which researches the ionosphere, as the brains behind Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
—Tess Owen, WIRED, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ionosphere
Dictionary Entries Near ionosphere
Cite this Entry
“Ionosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionosphere. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ionosphere
noun
ion·o·sphere
ī-ˈän-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r
: the part of the earth's atmosphere beginning at an altitude of about 30 miles (50 kilometers) and extending outward that contains free electrically charged particles
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