The stratosphere starts just above the troposphere and extends to 50 kilometers (31 miles) high. The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation, is in this layer. The thermosphere starts just above the mesosphere and extends to 600 kilometers (372 miles) high.

Difference between Stratosphere and Thermosphere

Stratosphere:
- The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
- It extends from about 10 kilometers to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.
- The stratosphere is characterized by its stable and dry nature. It contains very little water vapor and experiences minimal weather phenomena.
- One of the key features of the stratosphere is the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- The temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer, creating a temperature inversion. This inversion prevents vertical mixing of air, resulting in a stable atmosphere.

Thermosphere:
- The thermosphere is the fourth layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the mesosphere and below the exosphere.
- It extends from about 80 kilometers to several hundred kilometers above the Earth's surface.
- The thermosphere is characterized by its extremely high temperatures, reaching up to 2,500 degrees Celsius (4,500 degrees Fahrenheit) due to the absorption of intense solar radiation.
- This layer is also known for the presence of the auroras, which occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with atoms and molecules in the thermosphere.
- The air density in the thermosphere is extremely low, meaning that even though the temperature is very high, it would not feel hot to a human observer. In fact, the thermosphere is considered a vacuum.

Differences between Stratosphere and Thermosphere:
1. Altitude: The stratosphere is located at an altitude of 10 to 50 kilometers, while the thermosphere is located at an altitude of 80 to several hundred kilometers.
2. Temperature: The stratosphere has a temperature that increases with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer, while the thermosphere has extremely high temperatures due to intense solar radiation.
3. Weather Phenomena: The stratosphere experiences minimal weather phenomena, while the thermosphere is not influenced by weather conditions as it is located above the Earth's weather systems.
4. Ozone Layer: The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs UV radiation, while the thermosphere does not have a significant ozone layer.
5. Air Density: The stratosphere has a higher air density compared to the thermosphere, which is considered a vacuum due to its extremely low air density.

Overall, the stratosphere and thermosphere are distinct layers of the Earth's atmosphere with different altitudes, temperatures, weather patterns, and air densities.