magnetosphere

Electrically charged particles fly from our neighborhood star into Earth's magnetosphere, where a powerful magnetic field surrounds our planet.

The researchers propose a different explanation for the current theory, suggesting that nitrogen molecular ions might be accelerated into the magnetosphere through an unknown process.

While scientists expected to see this same ionization near the Uranus moons, they were surprised to see a “vacuum magnetosphere” with no water ions.

Combined with flares, they can create solar storms that interact with Earth's magnetic field or magnetosphere.

The study provides an initial assessment of sensitivity for satellite-based detectors in low Earth orbit and ongoing missions within Jupiter's magnetosphere.