Which atmospheric layer extends about 30-50 miles above Earth and is subject to extreme temperature changes?

The correct answer is the Mesosphere, which is characterized by its altitude and temperature variations. This atmospheric layer lies between the Stratosphere and the Thermosphere, generally extending from about 30 to 50 miles above the Earth's surface. Within this layer, temperatures decrease with altitude, reaching some of the coldest temperatures in the Earth's atmosphere, which can drop as low as -130 degrees Fahrenheit (-90 degrees Celsius) at its upper limits.

The Mesosphere is also known for its role in the burning up of meteoroids, creating visible shooting stars as they enter this layer and rapidly heat up due to friction with the air. This distinctive feature, along with the significant temperature variations from the less stable conditions above and below, underscores why the Mesosphere is uniquely important in our understanding of Earth's atmospheric dynamics.