MAGNETOSPHERE


Meaning of MAGNETOSPHERE in English

n.

Region around a planet (such as Earth) or a natural satellite that possesses a magnetic field (see geomagnetic field ) where magnetic phenomena and the high atmospheric conductivity caused by ionization strongly influence the behaviour of charged particles (see electric charge ).

A planet or moon's magnetic field, like its gravitational field, becomes weaker with distance from the body. The solar wind sweeps a body's magnetosphere out away from the Sun in a "tail" trailing well beyond it.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.