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Solar wind

Definition

Solar wind refers to a continuous flow of charged particles (mainly electrons and protons) emitted by the sun into space. This stream of particles carries energy and magnetic fields throughout the solar system.

Analogy

Think of solar wind as a gentle breeze blowing from the sun. Just like how wind can carry leaves or make flags flutter, solar wind carries energy and influences magnetic fields in its path.

Related terms

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): CMEs are massive eruptions on the sun's surface that release huge amounts of plasma into space. When they interact with Earth's magnetosphere, they can cause geomagnetic storms.

Magnetosphere: The magnetosphere is the region around a planet where its magnetic field dominates over external magnetic fields, such as those carried by solar wind.

Heliosphere: The heliosphere is a vast bubble-like region surrounding the sun, created by the solar wind. It extends far beyond the orbit of Pluto and acts as a protective shield against cosmic rays.