The Magnetosphere Model

The magnetosphere model describes how Earth’s magnetic field protects us from solar wind—a stream of charged particles from the Sun. When these particles reach Earth, our magnetic field deflects most of them, creating a protective bubble called the magnetosphere. This shield guides solar particles around the planet, preventing them from damaging our atmosphere and electronics. The magnetosphere also shapes phenomena like the Northern and Southern Lights (auroras). Its shape varies with solar activity, stretching on the night side and compressed on the sun side, maintaining Earth's stability against space weather threats.