The magnetosphere
The charged
particles ejected from the sun form the
"solar wind" - here
is an example of a solar disturbance
the solar wind
compresses the magnetic field lines on the
sunward side of the earth into a tear-drop shape
- called the magnetosphere
the solar wind
elongates the magnetic field lines on the
opposite side - called the magnetotail
the aurora is
generated when the solar wind disturbs the
magnetosphere
|
image from Meteorology
Today by C. Donald Ahrens © 1994 West Publishing
Company |