Space weather

Definition

Space weather describes the environmental conditions in space as influenced by the Sun's activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These conditions can affect satellite operations, communications, and power systems on Earth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Solar flares are sudden eruptions of energy on the Sun's surface that can release vast amounts of electromagnetic radiation.
2. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are huge bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space.
3. Geomagnetic storms occur when CMEs or high-speed solar wind streams interact with Earth's magnetosphere, causing disruptions in communication and navigation systems.
4. Auroras, such as the Northern and Southern Lights, are visible manifestations of space weather caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with Earth's atmosphere.
5. Space weather can have significant impacts on astronauts, potentially exposing them to increased levels of radiation.

Review Questions

• What is a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), and how does it influence Earth's magnetosphere?
• How do solar flares differ from geomagnetic storms in terms of their origin and effects?
• What causes auroras, and how are they related to space weather?

Related terms

Solar Flare: A sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, usually observed near its surface.

Coronal Mass Ejection (CME): A massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space.

Geomagnetic Storm: A temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave or cloud of magnetic field.