magnetosphere

[ mag-nee-tuh-sfeer ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the outer region of the earth's ionosphere, where the earth's magnetic field controls the motion of charged particles, as in the Van Allen belts. Compare magnetopause.
2. such a region of another planet:

   Jupiter's magnetosphere.

magnetosphere

/ mæɡˌniːtəʊˈsfɛrɪk; mæɡˈniːtəʊˌsfɪə /

noun

1. the region surrounding a planet, such as the earth, in which the behaviour of charged particles is controlled by the planet's magnetic field

magnetosphere

/ măg-nē′tō-sfîr′ /

1. A highly asymmetrical region surrounding the Earth, beginning about 100 km (62 mi) above the surface on the side of the Earth facing the Sun and extending hundreds of thousands of kilometers into space on the opposite side. In this region the Earth's magnetic field exerts a significant influence on any charged particles that encounter it. The magnetosphere deflects most of the charged particles in the solar wind , but also traps and deflects some of these particles toward the Earth's magnetic poles, causing magnetic storms and auroras .

Derived Forms

• magnetospheric, adjective

Other Words From

• mag·ne·to·spher·ic [mag-nee-t, uh, -, sfer, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetosphere¹

First recorded in 1955–60; magneto- + -sphere

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

As the field lines snapped back into more stable configurations, huge amounts of energy poured into Earth’s magnetosphere, in a disturbance known as a geomagnetic storm.

From Science Magazine

Space weather refers to disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere caused by interactions between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field.

From Science Daily

These particles are trapped within the Earth's magnetosphere and can damage electronics on satellites and spacecraft passing through, as well as posing risks to astronauts.

From Science Daily