Geomagnetic field - Field-Aligned Currents

geomagnetic field

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Understand Earth's geomagnetic field through the dynamo effect principle

position of Earth's geomagnetic North Pole

Watch the aurora australis, the southern lights, from outer space

particle motion in Earth's magnetic field

northern portion of magnetopause current

For Students

geomagnetic field summary

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Solar Eclipse, Eclipse, Solar Flare, Outer Space, Astronomy

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Circulation of magnetic field lines in a pattern of closed loops within the magnetosphere is a consequence of the tangential drag of the solar wind. This circulation produces another important magnetic field source, the field-aligned current system. The field-aligned currents flow on two shells completely surrounding Earth (see the figure). The higher latitude shell is usually referred to as Region 1 and the lower one as Region 2. These two current sheets are caused by different physical mechanisms, but they are connected through the ionosphere and form a single circuit. The Region 1 current originates in the region of the ...(100 of 14820 words)

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