The atmosphere protects Earth from small debris bombardment. It also protects Earth from harmful radiation. The atmosphere helps to protect living organisms from genetic damage by solar ultraviolet radiation, solar wind and cosmic rays.
So the atmosphere protects Earth from radiation and meteorites. This was only known recently, however this was portrayed in the Quran 1400 years before it was discovered.
"We made the sky a preserved and protected roof yet still they turn away from Our Signs.." (Quran 21:32)
