Solar eruptions reach Earth
Solar eruptions reach Earth
Although Earth is largely shielded from the dangers of interplanetary space by its magnetosphere and atmosphere, these do not provide absolute protection. The solar wind, a continuous stream of particles emitted from the Sun, compresses Earth's magnetosphere on the dayside and extends it into a long tail on the nightside. While most of the solar wind is deflected by the magnetosphere, some material still manages to penetrate. Understanding these processes is crucial for space-based infrastructure (such as satellite navigation and telecommunications satellites), and for the safety of astronauts on the International Space Station ISS.
Credit:
NASA