The atmosphere is more than just the air above us. It's 5 layers protect us. Ed has more in this Weather 101.

There are 5 different layers that make up our atmosphere. Ed explains in this edition of weather 101 how each layer works and how they protect our planet from the harshness of outer space.

The troposphere is the lowest layer. All the weather occurs here and it makes up for 75-80% of the mass of the entire atmosphere.

The stratosphere is the next layer up. This is where the ozone layer resides and absorbs the sun's harmful UV radiation.

The mesosphere is third. This is the layer where meteors burn up.

The thermosphere is the next layer up. This is where the space shuttle orbits and is basically outer space.

The highest layer is called the exosphere. There is no air here as atoms escape into outer space.