Solar Wind Interaction

Solar wind interaction refers to the way streams of charged particles, mainly electrons and protons emitted by the Sun, interact with Earth's magnetic field. When the solar wind reaches Earth, it distorts and compresses the magnetic field on the dayside and causes it to stretch into a long tail on the nightside. This interaction creates phenomena like auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) and can affect satellites and communication systems. Essentially, Earth's magnetic shield deflects most of the solar wind, but some particles get trapped and energized, leading to visible light displays and impacting space weather.