The mesosphere is the third layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It extends from about 50 to 85 kilometers (31 to 53 miles) above the Earth's surface. In this layer, temperatures decrease with altitude, reaching as low as -90 degrees Celsius (-130 degrees Fahrenheit) at the top. This layer is where most meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light known as "shooting stars." The mesosphere is also characterized by low air pressure and density, making it difficult for aircraft to fly in this region.