A magazine of forecasts, trends, and ideas about the future.
March-April 2007, Vol. 41, No. 2
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Dear Editor,
According to the article on "Thinner Air?" (Mar-Apr), the rise in greenhouse gas would result in a 3% reduction in our thermosphere which would allow satellites to stay in orbit longer. It is my understanding that the thermosphere protects the planet from harmful space radiation. The air is so thin that a small increase in energy can cause a big increase in temperature, thereby heating the upper atmosphere of the earth. The increase in temperature would have compound effect of increasing the amount of ionization energy, which would also heat the upper atmosphere. I believe that the perceived benefit of allowing satellites to stay in space longer may be far outweighed by the negative consequences to the health of the species on our planet.
Greg Deal
Clementon, NJ
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