Page 42 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Magnetism
The solar wind is made of charged particles, mostly protons and electrons.
In the case of planets like Venus and Mars, which have no magnetic field, the solar wind washes right over them. However, the Earth has a large magnetic field. It spreads out from the Earth in every direction. At a distance of about 10 Earth radii (65,000 km) in the direction of the Sun the pressure effect of the magnetic field of the Earth is balanced by the pressure of particles in the solar wind.
Between this point, called the magnetopause, and the Earth’s surface the Earth’s magnetism is strong enough to repel most of the solar wind.
electrons Negatively charged particles that are parts of atoms.
magnetic field The region of influence of a magnetic body.
magnetism An invisible force that has the property of attracting iron and similar metals.
magnetopause The outer edge of the magnetosphere.
magnetosphere A region in the upper atmosphere, or around a planet, where magnetic phenomena such as auroras are found.
mars The fourth planet from the Sun in our Solar System and one planet farther away from the Sun than the Earth.
plasma A collection of charged particles that behaves something like a gas. It can conduct an electric charge and be affected by magnetic fields.
pressure The force per unit area.
 The Sun’s magnetic field and its releases of pLasma directly affect Earth and the rest of the Solar System. Solar wind shapes the Earth’s maGnetosphere. Magnetic storms are illustrated here as they approach Earth. These storms, which occur frequently, can disrupt communications and navigational equipment, damage satellites, and even cause blackouts. The white lines represent the solar wind; the purple line is the bow shock line; and the green lines surrounding the Earth represent its protective magnetosphere. The magnetic cloud of plasma can extend to 48 million kilometres in width by the time it reaches the Earth.
protons
an atom.
Positively charged particles from the core of
The flow of tiny charged particles (called plasma) outward from the Sun.
venus The second planet from the Sun and our closest neighbor.
solar wind
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