Magnetosphere

space · planet protection · magnetic fields · physics

Invisible protective shield. A magnetosphere is like an invisible force field made of magnetic energy that surrounds planets such as Earth. It protects us from harmful charged particles streaming from the sun called the solar wind.

Created by molten cores. Magnetospheres are made when a planet has a hot, swirling liquid iron core deep inside. As this liquid metal moves and churns, it generates powerful magnetic forces that extend far out into space.

Catches space particles. The magnetosphere traps charged particles from the sun in invisible zones called radiation belts. These particles bounce around harmlessly in the magnetic field instead of hitting our atmosphere.

Different for each planet. Some planets have strong magnetospheres and some have weak ones, depending on how active their cores are. Mercury has almost none, while Jupiter's magnetosphere is so enormous it extends millions of miles into space.

Creates beautiful auroras. When solar particles manage to slip into our magnetosphere near the poles, they crash into air molecules and create the stunning green and purple lights called auroras or the northern and southern lights.