Solar Activity - 4

Space weather refers to the affect the Sun has on the Earth and rest of the solar system. The solar wind is a fairly constant stream of charged particles, mostly high-energy electrons and protons, ejected from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. These particles can escape the Sun's gravity because of their high kinetic energy and the high temperature of the corona. As the solar wind buffets the Earth’s magnetic field, it distorts it into a long oval, as shown in the (not-to-scale) image above. Radiation storms and CMEs have the potential to seriously affect Earth and our modern technology. Besides triggering beautiful aurorae, these solar storms can damage satellites, disrupt power grids and electrical systems, interfere with cell phones and other communications, and disturb animal movements. They can even threaten astronauts and high-flying airplanes with their radiation! Space weather affects not only Earth but the other planets as well