Magnetosphere

A protective bubble around the Earth

The Sun is not only a source of light, it also sends out a continuous stream of electrically charged particles into space. These particles constitute the solar wind. They reach out into the farthest corners of our Solar System. The Earth is protected against this corpuscular radiation by its intrinsic magnetic field.

The geomagnetic field creates a protective bubble around the Earth, which we call the magnetosphere. The BIRA-IASB studies this magnetosphere in detail.

The solar wind – magnetosphere interaction leads to various phenomena, including auroral displays, deviations of the compass, and radiation risks for air traffic and for space travel.

All of this is accompanied by effects in different regions of the magnetosphere, but also with an impact on the upper atmosphere.

 

Related articles

• Earth, a giant magnet

• The Earth's magnetic field (.pdf)
• Structure of the Magnetosphere (.pdf)
• Coupling with the ionosphere (.pdf)
• Magnetic storms (.pdf)

• A Primer on Space Weather
• The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere