Marshall Space Flight Center
We've learned
that Earth's atmosphere is protected from the solar wind by our
magnetosphere. Even so, some solar wind energy does enter our
magnetosphere and atmosphere and can cause a small amount of our
atmosphere to be launched into space. We need to understand this
loss of our atmosphere in order to understand our planet's environmental
stability over a long time period.
Solar wind
energy in our magnetosphere can also cause what are known as space
plasma storms. These storms can cause communication and science
satellites to fail. They can also cause damage to electric power
systems on the surface of the Earth.
A large space
storm in 1989 made currents on the ground that caused a failure
in the Hydro-Quebec electric power system. This prevented 6 million
people in Canada and the US from having electricity for over 9
hours. The same storm caused the atmosphere to inflate and dragged
the LDEF satellite to a lower orbit earlier than expected.
The Space
Plasma Physics Branch at Marshall Space Flight Center devotes
its time to understanding the magnetosphere around Earth and around
other planets. Our work will help NASA predict space plasma storms
so that we may protect our satellites and electric power systems.
Our work will also help to preserve this important part of Earth's
enironment.
Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangesTV.com
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