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Is magnetosphere a magnetic field?
Earth is surrounded by a system of magnetic fields, called the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere shields our home planet from harmful solar and cosmic particle radiation, but it can change shape in response to incoming space weather from the Sun.
What is magnetosphere explain?
A magnetosphere is that area of space, around a planet, that is controlled by the planet’s magnetic field. The shape of the Earth’s magnetosphere is the direct result of being blasted by solar wind. The solar wind compresses its sunward side to a distance of only 6 to 10 times the radius of the Earth.
Where is the Earth’s magnetosphere?
The magnetosphere is the region of space surrounding Earth where the dominant magnetic field is the magnetic field of Earth, rather than the magnetic field of interplanetary space. The magnetosphere is formed by the interaction of the solar wind with Earth’s magnetic field.
What is the difference between a geographic pole and a magnetic pole?
The Geographic North Pole is where lines of longitudes converge into what we call the North Pole. The Magnetic Pole is a point in Northern Canada where the northern lines of attraction enter the Earth. A compass needle will point to the direction of the Magnetic North Pole.
Why is Earth have a magnetic field?
The magnetic field is generated by electric currents due to the motion of convection currents of a mixture of molten iron and nickel in Earth’s outer core: these convection currents are caused by heat escaping from the core, a natural process called a geodynamo.
Why is Earth magnetic?
Instead, Earth’s magnetic field is caused by a dynamo effect. On Earth, flowing of liquid metal in the outer core of the planet generates electric currents. The rotation of Earth on its axis causes these electric currents to form a magnetic field which extends around the planet.
What is Earth’s magnetosphere in T?
The magnitude of the Earth’s magnetic field at its surface ranges from 25 to 65 μT (0.25 to 0.65 gauss). The magnetosphere is the region above the ionosphere that is defined by the extent of the Earth’s magnetic field in space.
What is the shape of Earth’s magnetosphere?
The magnetosphere is not actually a sphere; it is shaped more like a teardrop, with a long “tail” extending away from the Sun. Although Earth’s magnetic field is roughly a dipole (like the field of a bar magnet) to a first approximation, it has a much more complex shape than a simple dipole field.