The Mysterious Disappearance of Solar Wind: Implications for Earth and Mars
The solar wind, a stream of gas and charged particles emitted by the sun, disappeared near Earth and Mars in December 2022. This unexpected event caused the protective magnetic layers around both planets to expand. Scientists believe that studying the disruptions to Mars' magnetosphere caused by changes in the solar wind could provide insights into how the planet lost its water billions of years ago. On Earth, understanding lulls in the solar wind is important as they can interfere with satellites and communications. The disappearance of the solar wind also affects Earth's magnetosphere, causing the expansion of the bow shock and radiation belts, which can disrupt communications and pose risks to spacecraft. Additionally, reduced solar wind can lead to intense polar rain and pave the way for more significant solar dangers, such as coronal mass ejections, which can impact various systems on Earth.
- Here's what happens when the sun's 'wind' disappears near Earth and Mars The Washington Post
- Mars' atmosphere swelled like a balloon when solar wind stopped blowing. Scientists are thrilled Space.com
- NASA's MAVEN Observes the Disappearing Solar Wind NASA
- NASA sees solar wind disappear at Mars, leaving a void Business Insider
- 'Almost unbelievable': Rare void from the sun briefly blew up Mars' atmosphere last year, and it could happen to Earth too Livescience.com
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