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The solar wind is observed to exist in two fundamental states, termed the slow solar wind and the fast solar wind, though their differences extend well beyond their speeds. In near-Earth space, the slow solar wind is observed to have a velocity of 300–500 km/s , a temperature of ~ 100 kilokelvin and a composition that is a close match to the ...
Earth's magnetic field, predominantly dipolar at its surface, is distorted further out by the solar wind. This is a stream of charged particles leaving the Sun's corona and accelerating to a speed of 200 to 1000 kilometres per second. They carry with them a magnetic field, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). [27]
A negative Dst index means that Earth's magnetic field is weakened. [15] This is particularly the case during solar storms, with a higher negative Dst index indicating a stronger solar storm. The 2003 Halloween solar storms had a peak Dst index of −383 nT, although a second storm on 20 November 2003 reached −422 nT while not reaching G5-class.
"Earth and the other planets in the solar system whiz through the solar wind as they orbit around the sun. Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere act as shields and protects life by blocking ...
However, at high altitudes, the magnetic field is significantly distorted by the solar wind and its solar magnetic field. On the dayside of Earth, the magnetic field is significantly compressed by the solar wind to a distance of approximately 65,000 kilometers (40,000 mi). Earth's bow shock is about 17 kilometers (11 mi) thick [12] and located ...
The solar wind is divided into the slow solar wind and the fast solar wind. The slow solar wind has a velocity of about 400 kilometres per second (250 mi/s), a temperature of 2 × 10 5 K and a composition that is a close match to the corona. The fast solar wind has a typical velocity of 750 km/s, a temperature of 8 × 10 5 K and nearly matches ...
Solar wind turbulence refers to the complex, chaotic fluid motions and magnetic field fluctuations observed in the solar wind plasma as it flows outward from the Sun. This turbulence plays a key role in heating the solar wind and accelerating charged particles throughout the heliosphere. [1] [2] [3]
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy that are hurled out of the Sun. When they arrive at Earth, they can affect radio communications, power grids, navigation systems, satellites and ...