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Interesting Facts About Ozone Layer: The Ozone Layer is a unique layer surrounding Earth's stratosphere, plays an essential role in our protection because it blocks the majority of the Sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without it, there would be major risks to people, animals and plants, such as skin cancer, cataracts and damaged crops. Every Year, World Ozone Day is celebrated on September 16 to raise awareness of the value of the ozone layer. 

World Ozone Day was established in 1994, following the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which aimed to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer. Since then, nations worldwide have collaborated to reduce pollution and protect this imperceptible barrier. 

The ozone layer is fascinating because, although most people understand its importance, very few are aware of its many unusual and surprising facts, like its thickness, its function in regulating the climate, and the fact that it is gradually recovering from decades of damage. 

On this World Ozone Day 2025, let’s explore some fascinating and lesser-known facts that highlight why this thin blue shield is one of Earth’s greatest gifts to humankind. 

Basic Facts About the Ozone Layer

30 interesting and lesser known facts about Ozone layer (1)Fun Facts About the Ozone Layer (Image: Freepik)

1. The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, about 15–35 km above Earth.

2. Ozone is made up of three oxygen atoms (O3), and it is approximately 3 millimetres (or 0.12 inches) thick when compressed to surface-level pressure.

3. Nearly 90% of Earth’s ozone is located in the stratosphere.

4. The ozone layer absorbs 97–99% of UV-B rays from the Sun.

5. Without it, Earth would be unlivable for most species.

6. The word “ozone” comes from the Greek word “ozein”, meaning “to smell.”

7. Ozone has a sharp, chlorine-like smell.

8. It gives the sky its bluish tint at high altitudes.


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Scientific and Environmental Facts

9. The ozone hole was first discovered over Antarctica in 1985.

10. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the biggest contributors to ozone depletion.

11. Ozone molecules constantly form and break apart due to sunlight.

12. Volcanic eruptions can temporarily thin the ozone layer.

13. The thickness of the ozone layer varies across the globe.

14. Ozone also acts as a greenhouse gas at ground level.

15. Tropospheric ozone (near the surface) is harmful to humans.

16. Stratospheric ozone (high above) is beneficial and protective.

Recovery and Protection Facts

30 interesting and lesser known facts about Ozone layer (2)Fun Facts About the Ozone Layer (Image: Freepik)

17. The Montreal Protocol (1987) was signed by 197 nations to protect the ozone layer.

18. Since then, harmful CFCs have been reduced by more than 98%.

19. The ozone layer is projected to fully recover by 2066.

20. World Ozone Day was first celebrated in 1995.

21. Plant life and crops also depend on ozone protection from UV rays.

22. Protecting ozone also helps in slowing climate change.

23. Replacement gases like HFCs are ozone-friendly but still harmful to global warming.

24. Everyday habits like reducing air conditioner use can help save ozone.


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Surprising and Lesser-Known Facts

25. Some natural ozone exists at ground level after lightning storms.

26. The ozone layer is thinnest at the poles and thickest at the tropics.

27. A temporary “mini-hole” in ozone appears in the Arctic almost every spring.

28. Ozone was discovered in 1840 by Christian Friedrich Schönbein.

29. NASA satellites constantly monitor the ozone hole.

30. Antarctica’s ozone hole once grew larger than the size of North America.

31. Aeroplanes flying at high altitudes can affect ozone levels.

32. Sunscreens help humans protect themselves when UV rays pass through weak ozone areas.

How the Ozone Layer Was Discovered?

In 1913, French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson made the first discovery of a high-altitude ozone layer. They used spectroscopic measurements to determine that the sun's ultraviolet radiation was being absorbed by ozone in the atmosphere. In order to better understand the distribution and fluctuations of the ozone layer, British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson later created a spectrophotometer to measure ozone in the 1920s and set up a global network of monitoring stations.