![]() "The solar wind pushes on the magnetosphere constantly, but fortunately Earth is just too massive to blow away." "The magnetosphere not only shields us from solar radiation but it also acts something like a solar sail," says Dennis Gallagher, a space physicist at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Sign up for EXPRESS SCIENCE NEWS delivery Without it, Earth might be as barren as Mars or the Moon, two worlds without magnetospheres. The magnetosphere protects us from solar wind gusts and from potentially deadly solar flares. ![]() Our planet sits at the heart of the bubble, which occupies a volume at least 1000 times greater than Earth itself. Earth's magnetosphere is an extension into space of the familiar magnetic field that causes compass needles to point North. Most planets in the solar system already have such bubbles - they're called magnetospheres. Every family saucer will come equipped with a fuel-efficient magnetic bubble that speeds its occupants from planet to planet and wards off the very worst solar flares.Ībove: An artist's concept of a space probe riding a solar-wind driven magnetic bubble past Jupiter. But if a group of NASA-funded researchers have their way, parents in the next century can breath a little easier. Space-age moms have more to worry about than ever. And I heard there's going to be an awful solar flare today, so be careful! "Yes dear, but be home in time for supper. Octo- "Mom! I'm going shopping on Ganymede today.
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