The primary science objective of the TIMED mission is to understand the energy transfer into and out of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere (MLTI) region of the Earth's atmosphere (energetics), as well as the basic structure (i.e., pressure, temperature, and winds) that results from the energy transfer into the region (dynamics).
The primary science objective of the TIMED mission is to understand the energy transfer into and out of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere (MLTI) region of the Earth’s atmosphere (energetics), as well as the basic structure (i.e., pressure, temperature, and winds) that results from the energy transfer into the region (dynamics).
Located between approximately 40-110 miles (60-180 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface, the MLTI region is sensitive to external influences from the sun above and atmospheric layers below it. Its chemical and thermal balance can change rapidly due to naturally-occurring and/or human-induced changes to the energy contained within this region.
Credit: NASA