Magnetosphere - General Info

When the solar wind comes to the earth it meets the Earth's magnetic field. Most of the tiny particles in the solar wind are pushed around the earth because of this magnetic field. They begin their journey around in a curve called the "Bow Shock". Just like water makes a curved wave in front of a boat, the solar wind makes a curve in front of the Earth. After passing through a shock wave at …

…of the bar magnet. This picture shows where the poles are actually found, and also shows that the poles drift over the surface of the Earth over time. The force of magnetism coming from the magnet is called the "magnetic field", and is illustrated by lines. The magnetic field is strongest where the lines of force come together (and turn red), and is weakest when the lines of force are far apart (and turn blue).