Key concepts

• magnetic field

• magnetosphere

• Van Allen radiation belt

• magnetic reconnection

• geomagnetic storm

Introduction

At approximately 100 km (or about 60 miles) above Earth's surface, the amount of ionized gas becomes appreciable. Because ionized gas is electrically charged, it feels the effect of Earth's magnetic field, which plays an important role in guiding the motion of charged particles in near- Earth space. Through its interaction with the magnetized solar wind, Earth's magnetic field is intimately involved in coupling or transferring of energy and momentum from the Sun into our space environment. This chapter describes the magnetic field region surrounding Earth called the magnetosphere. The connection of the magnetosphere with the Sun is at the heart of space weather.

Dipole magnetic field

Magnetic fields are force fields around magnets, electric currents, or moving charged particles that exert a force on other magnets, electric currents, or moving charged particles. Due to the motion of molten iron inside Earth, a relatively strong magnetic field surrounds it.