In Our Time Solar Wind
Jan 23, 2020
In this enlightening discussion, guests Andrew Coates, a solar system expert; Helen Mason, an authority on solar physics; and Tim Horbury, a solar wind specialist, explore the mysteries of solar wind. They dive into its role in breathtaking phenomena like auroras and comet tails, and how it interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The conversation touches on groundbreaking theories from the past and cutting-edge missions like the Parker Solar Probe, stressing the importance of understanding solar impacts on technology and space exploration.
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CME Impacts
- Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), powerful solar explosions, can disrupt Earth's magnetic field.
- This can lead to geomagnetic storms, auroras, and potential damage to electrical systems and spacecraft.
Solar Wind's Journey
- Solar wind forms a bubble, the heliosphere, extending beyond Pluto, where it interacts with the interstellar medium.
- This interaction creates a termination shock, and particles eventually drift into interstellar space.
Fast vs. Slow Solar Wind
- Fast solar wind originates from coronal holes with open magnetic fields, while slow solar wind comes from equatorial regions with closed fields.
- These two types differ in speed, composition, and origin on the Sun.