Solar winds cause cracks in Earth’s magnetic field as speeds reach 400 km per second, report says

Technology

11:39 GMT 07.29.2021(updated at 11:40 GMT on 07/29/2021) Get a short url

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https://sputniknews.com/science/202107291083485070-solar-winds-cause-crack-in-earths-magnetic-field-as-speeds-reach-400-km-per-second-report-says/

According to NASA, the solar wind is created by the expansion of plasma from the Sun’s outermost atmosphere. This plasma is continuously heated to the point that the Sun’s gravity cannot sustain it. As the Sun spins, it coils its magnetic field lines above its polar regions into a large rotating spiral, creating a constant flow of “wind”.

Solar winds have caused a crack in our planet’s magnetic field, the SpaceWeather.com website reported. The Earth’s magnetic field is vital for life on our planet because it protects the ozone layer from cosmic rays and harmful radiation. According to the newspaper, space weather forecasters recently estimated that solar wind speeds reach 400 kilometers per second when they beat Earth.

This assault led to geomagnetic disturbances, and although the range of solar winds was not large enough to classify them as solar storms, they caused minor disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere, the website writes.

Winds can reach the surface of the planet in several days and disrupt power grids and satellite operations. In addition to these negative consequences, solar winds can cause auroras near the poles. According to the US Space Weather Prediction Center, the current interaction of the Earth’s magnetic field and solar wind can not only affect technological systems, but also human activities.