Earth magnetosphere
Schematic diagram of the Earth and nearby space magnetic field. (Source: NASA)
The difference in temperature, pressure and composition of the inner and outer cores of the earth causes the molten metal (mainly iron) in its liquid outer core to produce convection, because colder and higher density substances will sink, while warmer and lower density substances will rise. This flow of liquid iron will generate an electric current, which in turn will generate an magnetic field . The charged metal through these magnetic fields will continue to generate current in it, and the cycle continues.
The Earth's magnetic field vibrates like a drum (Video source: NASA)
The Earth's magnetosphere is the space area around the earth, and the main magnetic field in it is the Earth's magnetic field. The magnetosphere is formed by the interaction between solar wind and earth magnetic field . It acts as a giant magnetic bubble to protect us from solar ultraviolet radiation and cosmic radiation (see "Phenomenon: Galaxy cosmic rays").
shows the earth's poles and magnetic poles , as well as the inclination diagram of its axis.
The magnetic field of the earth can be seen as a dipole, and the North Pole and the South Pole are like a simple bar magnet. The magnetic axis of the earth is about 11 degrees different from the axis of rotation of the earth.
The pressure of the solar wind compresses the magnetic field on the earth towards the sun (towards the sun), and extends the magnetic field on the earth behind the sun (towards the sun) into a long tail. In the sun, the magnetic field is limited to about 10 earth radii from the center of the earth; in the sun, the magnetic field is stretched to hundreds of earth radii.
The boundary between the solar wind and the earth's magnetic field is called magnetosphere top . This boundary is constantly changing as the earth is impacted by changing solar winds. Although the top of the magnetosphere protects us from the solar wind to some extent, energy, mass and momentum will still transfer from the solar wind to areas within the magnetosphere. The interaction between solar wind and the earth's magnetic field, as well as the influence of the atmosphere, causes various force fields, plasma and currents to be generated in the magnetosphere, such as plasma layer , ring current and radiation band (see "Phenomenon: Radiation Band"). Various dynamic conditions within the magnetosphere form space weather that can affect scientific and technological systems and human activities.
In addition to the earth, other planets also have their magnetospheres.
Jupiter magnetolayer
