Solar Wind
Did You Know?
Solar wind travels at speeds of 400-800 km/s!
What is Solar Wind?
Solar wind is a continuous stream of charged particles (mostly electrons and protons) flowing outward from the Sun. It extends throughout the Solar System and beyond, creating a bubble called the heliosphere. Solar wind is created when the Sun's extremely hot corona expands into space. The wind carries the Sun's magnetic field with it, influencing the entire Solar System.
Effects on Planets
Solar wind interacts with planetary magnetic fields, creating beautiful auroras on Earth and other planets. It also shapes planetary magnetospheres and can strip away atmospheres from planets without strong magnetic fields. Mars, for example, lost much of its atmosphere over billions of years due to solar wind. Earth's magnetic field protects us from most of the solar wind's effects.
Heliosphere
The heliosphere is the vast bubble of space dominated by the Sun's influence, created by solar wind pushing against the interstellar medium. The boundary of the heliosphere, called the heliopause, is where the solar wind's pressure equals that of interstellar space. Voyager 1 and 2 have crossed this boundary, entering interstellar space.
Amazing Facts
Solar wind density decreases with distance from the Sun
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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The heliosphere extends about 100 AU from the Sun
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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Solar wind speed varies with solar activity
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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The Parker Solar Probe studies solar wind up close
This fact reveals the incredible scale and wonder of our universe.
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Your Next Jump
Continue your journey through the cosmos