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Geophysics & Environmental Physics

Magnetosphere

The region of space surrounding Earth dominated by Earth's geomagnetic field, shielding the planet from harmful solar wind plasma.

Governing formula Magnetopause Distance R_mp ≈ (B₀² / (2 μ₀ ρ v²))^(1/6)
SI unit Earth Radii (R_E ~ 10 R_E sunward)

In depth

Supersonic solar wind compresses the magnetosphere to ~10 Earth radii on the dayside while stretching it into a long magnetotail (>100 R_E) on the nightside.

Examples in the real world

Van Allen radiation belts trapping high-energy charged protons and electrons within the magnetosphere.