Story: Atmosphere

Earth's magnetic field

Earth's magnetic field

The solar wind consists of electrons and ions, and travels from the sun in all directions at speeds of more than 500 kilometres per second. This illustration depicts the solar wind streaming from the sun and being deflected by the comet-shaped magnetic field surrounding earth. The earth’s magnetic field helps protect living things from harmful radiation.

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Diagram by K. Endo

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How to cite this page:

Bill Allan, Katja Riedel, Richard McKenzie, Sylvia Nichol and Tom Clarkson, 'Atmosphere - Auroras', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/6139/earths-magnetic-field (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Bill Allan, Katja Riedel, Richard McKenzie, Sylvia Nichol and Tom Clarkson, published 12 Jun 2006