Why is the temperature colder at higher elevations when its actually closer to the sun?
Q: My students have learned that temperatures are hot in the thermosphere because molecules are moving fast but it doesn’t feel hot because there are so few molecules. How is temperature measured in the thermosphere? A: Good question. As with many measurements of the upper atmosphere, you measure one thing and then use a mathematical formula to figure out the value of the thing you are looking for. Here, the measurements begin with what engineers and scientists know about the aerodynamics of spacecraft orbiting in the thermosphere. The speed of the spacecraft thorough the thermosphere can be measured accurately from the ground. This data, combined with what the engineers and scientists know about the spacecraft, including its aerodynamics, can be used to calculate its drag caused by air resistance. This, in turn, can be used to calculate the density of the air. The spacecraft can also measure the air’s pressure. With this information, you can use the gas law, which says the air’s press
