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Magnetosphere facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Structure of the magnetosphere-en
Scheme of Earth's magnetosphere. The solar wind comes from left to right

A magnetosphere is a region around an astronomical object, such as a planet. It is the region where charged particles are affected by the object's magnetic field. The magnetosphere of the Sun is called the heliosphere. Ions and electrons of the solar wind are deflected by the heliosphere.

Since a magnetosphere is magnetic, it is invisible. However, the Earth's magnetosphere makes the Aurora Borealis. This is what causes the "Northern Lights" that shimmer in the night sky near the North Pole.

The border between magnetospheres is called a magnetopause.

Images for kids

  • Red Giant Plunging Through Space

    Infrared image and artist's concept of the bow shock around R Hydrae

  • Magnetosphere rendition

    Artist's rendition of Earth's magnetosphere

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Magnetosfera para niños

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