Layer of the upper atmosphere NYT crossword clue

The answer to the New York Times The Mini crossword clue “Layer of the upper atmosphere” is *Ozone*. The ozone layer is a crucial part of Earth’s stratosphere, located about 10 to 30 miles above the planet’s surface. It plays a vital role in absorbing the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby protecting living organisms from potential damage.

This layer gets its name from ozone (O₃), a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. The presence of this gas in the upper atmosphere helps shield Earth, making life on the surface more sustainable. Concerns over ozone depletion in past decades led to global efforts to reduce pollutants like CFCs, resulting in significant recovery of the ozone layer over time.