The atmosphere plays a crucial role in protecting the planet from cosmic radiation by absorbing and scattering a significant portion of the incoming radiation. The different layers of the atmosphere, particularly the ozone layer, act as a shield that filters out harmful high-energy radiation such as ultraviolet (UV) and X-rays, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface and causing damage to life forms. Without this protective barrier provided by the atmosphere, cosmic radiation would pose a greater risk to life on Earth.
