Tag Archives: Magnetosphere

Farewell, for now

Posted on April 28, 2023 by 7smessier45

I have always loved the stars, nebulae, planets, and all the space in between, but I never had a chance to seriously study them until this year. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to devote two classes (and a lab!) to learning more about the processes that govern solar system formation and how […] Continue reading →

Posted in Class, Stars | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Farewell, for now

All About Aurorae

Posted on March 5, 2023 by 7smessier45

As the title suggests, our topic for today is Earth’s aurorae (pronounced auh-ror-eye). These stunning displays generally occur in two symmetrical oval rings about the planet’s far northern and southern regions–Earth’s magnetic north and south poles. When they happen in the north, aurorae are often referred to as the northern lights or Aurora Borealis. Likewise, […] Continue reading →

Posted in Class, Historical, Observables | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on All About Aurorae

Aurora Borealis

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Mykayla

Aurora borealis, or the “Northern lights,” as it is often called, is the result of our Earth’s magnetosphere deflecting harmful particles from the Sun from the Earth. They can best be seen from the Arctic Circle (Canada, Iceland, Finland, etc.). Every aurora in the solar system originates from the Sun. Periodically, the Sun has stormsContinue reading “Aurora Borealis” Continue reading →

Posted in Light, Observables, Sun | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights

Posted on March 25, 2020 by fermifurby

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that appear to be fresh out of a fantasy novel. Otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, these lights are the product of the Earth’s magnetic field and high energy particles from the sun. Normally our magnetic field is invisible, but in certain locations, like the Earth’s poles, they becomeContinue reading “The Northern Lights” Continue reading →

Posted in Class, Science | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Northern Lights

What Causes the Northern Lights?

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Emily Chen

The aurora borealis, or aurora australis if in Southern Hemisphere, is one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena consisting of massive bands of colorful light streaking across the sky. This spectacular light show, despite its captivating beauty, actually portrays the deadly solar radiation spewing out from the sun and largely dissipating when coming into contact withContinue reading “What Causes the Northern Lights?” Continue reading →

Posted in Class | Tagged , , | Comments Off on What Causes the Northern Lights?

Blog 3: Auroras in the Southern United States

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Katie

On November 20, 2003 Auroras were seen in the southern United States. This is not a normal occurrence as is likely obvious to most of you. Auroras, or the Northern Lights, are caused by charged particles from the sun spiraling around the earth’s magnetic field and hitting the atmosphere. The magnetic field lines of the … Continue reading Blog 3: Auroras in the Southern United States → Continue reading →

Posted in Sun | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Blog 3: Auroras in the Southern United States

Earth’s Changing Magnetosphere

Posted on March 15, 2016 by solarsystemjoe

One of Earth’s most important features is its Magnetosphere.  This magnetic field that surrounds Earth deflects Solar wind that could slowly widdle away our atmosphere. Without an atmosphere, life would not have been able to develop on Earth.  In addition, if we were to suddenly lose our magnetosphere, then our power grids and other electronics […] Continue reading →

Posted in Class, Sun | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Earth’s Changing Magnetosphere

Saturn’s Titan doesn’t have it’s own magnetosphere!

Posted on April 5, 2015 by drgrundstrom

So whilst finding out some information about Saturn’s orbiter Cassini, I came across this story: Cassini Catches Titan Naked in the Solar Wind.  We’ve been talking a lot about magnetospheres when we discuss the giant worlds so this whole thing is really interesting! The space probe Cassini was going by Titan in 2013 when a big […] Continue reading →

Posted in Jovians, SolarSystem | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Saturn’s Titan doesn’t have it’s own magnetosphere!

Ganymede’s Ocean Confirmed?

Posted on April 5, 2015 by agiantchicken

Recent observations of Ganymede by Hubble appear to suggest that it may truly have an ocean far beneath its crust. Aurorae on the planet, caused by Ganymede’s magnetic field (the only moon in the solar system to have one), and their behavior seem to be suggestive of this high possibility. Ganymede’s distance from Jupiter allows […] Continue reading →

Posted in Class | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Ganymede’s Ocean Confirmed?

An Ocean on a Moon?

Posted on March 16, 2015 by emilyksharp

One of the largest satellites in the solar system is Jupiter’s moon Ganymede. Though Ganymede is classified as a moon …

Continue reading →

Continue reading →

Posted in Jovians, Moons | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on An Ocean on a Moon?