How Far up in the Sky Have Living Things Been Found?

At any given time in the summer months, there are about three billion insects flying high up in the sky. The highest-flying insect found so far was, surprisingly, a termite. A Super-Constellation airplane carried an insect trap for a study of such high-flying bugs and captured a termite at 19,000 feet (5,800 meters) — that's about 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometers) — up in the sky.

More Flying High Facts:

• Insects manage to travel at such heights by hijacking strong wind currents to carry them along — and up. They have an internal sense to catch the wind currents just right.


• Moths and butterflies are commonly found soaring thousands of feet (several hundred meters) above the ground at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (about 100 kilometers per hour) — as fast or faster than many migrating birds.


• Birds still have it over the insects, however. The highest-flying bird, a Ruppell's griffon, was detected at 37,900 feet (11,551 meters), or 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers) above ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest altitude at which living organisms have been found?

Microorganisms known as extremophiles have been discovered at altitudes of up to 41,000 feet in the Earth's atmosphere. These hardy species, including certain bacteria and fungal spores, can withstand extreme conditions, and their discovery has expanded our understanding of the resilience of life.

Can complex life forms survive at high altitudes?

While microorganisms thrive at extreme altitudes, complex life forms such as birds and insects are generally found at lower levels. The bar-headed goose, for instance, can fly over the Himalayas at altitudes of nearly 30,000 feet, showcasing remarkable physiological adaptations to low oxygen and cold temperatures.

How do microorganisms reach such high altitudes?

Microorganisms are transported to high altitudes by various natural mechanisms, including wind currents and volcanic eruptions. Once airborne, these tiny life forms can be carried great distances and to significant heights, where they can survive for extended periods before eventually settling back to the surface.

What impact do high-altitude organisms have on the atmosphere?

High-altitude microorganisms can play a role in atmospheric processes, such as cloud formation and the cycling of nutrients. By acting as nuclei for ice and water droplets, these organisms can influence weather patterns and even climate, although research into these effects is ongoing and complex.

Are there any known limits to life in the atmosphere?

The limits of life in the atmosphere are continually being redefined as research progresses. However, factors such as ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and lack of nutrients pose challenges to survival. Despite this, extremophiles have demonstrated an astonishing ability to adapt to the harsh conditions found at high altitudes.

What does the discovery of high-altitude life mean for the search for extraterrestrial life?

The discovery of life at high altitudes bolsters the possibility of life existing in extreme environments elsewhere in the universe. It suggests that life can adapt to conditions far beyond those traditionally considered habitable, thereby widening the scope of environments where we might search for extraterrestrial organisms.