DEFINITION OF MAGNETOSPHERE

The limits of the Earth’s magnetic field, as

confined by the interaction of the solar wind with the planet’s

internal magnetic field. The natural undisturbed state of the

Earth’s magnetic field is broadly similar to a bar magnet,

with magnetic flux lines (of equal magnetic intensity and

direction) coming out of the south polar region and returning

back into the north magnetic pole. The solar wind, consisting

of supersonic H+ and 4He2+ ions expanding away from the

Sun, deforms this ideal state into a teardrop-shaped configuration

known as the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere has

a rounded compressed side with about 6–10 Earth radii facing

the sun, and a long tail (magnetotail) on the opposite side

that stretches past the orbit of the moon. It is likely that the

magnetotail is open, meaning that the magnetic flux lines

probably never close but instead merge with the interplanetary

magnetic field. The magnetosphere shields the Earth

from many of the charged particles from the Sun by deflecting

them around the edge of the magnetosphere, causing

them to flow harmlessly into the outer solar system.

The Sun periodically experiences periods of high activity

when many solar flares and sunspots form. During these periods

the solar wind is emitted with increased intensity, and the

solar plasma is emitted with greater velocity, in greater density,

and with more energy than in its normal state. During

these periods of high solar activity, the extra pressure of the

solar wind distorts the magnetosphere and causes it to move

around and also causes increased auroral activity.

See also AURORA.

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