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Vertical structure of the atmosphere

Diagram of the vertical structure of the Earth's atmosphere.

The line at 100 km above the Earth’s surface is the official start of space. Theodore Kármán calculated that a plane flying at this altitude needs an air speed that matches the orbital speed for 100 km.

Download a PDF version of this diagram.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato
Published:27 March 2013Size: 2.04 MB