I. What is the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)? The Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, or STEREO, is a pair of NASA spacecraft launched in 2006 with the primary goal of studying the Sun and its impact on Earth. STEREO consists of two nearly identical spacecraft, known as STEREO-A and STEREO-B, which orbit the Sun in … Read more
I. What are L1 Lagrange Points? L1 Lagrange Points, also known as libration points, are five positions in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as the Earth and the Sun, balance the orbital motion of a smaller object, allowing it to maintain a stable position relative to the two larger bodies. … Read more
I. What is Space Weather? Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by the sun and the solar wind. Just like weather on Earth, space weather can have a significant impact on our planet and the technology we rely on. The sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles and magnetic … Read more
I. What is Space Weather Forecasting? Space weather forecasting is the process of predicting the conditions in space that can affect Earth and technology. These conditions are primarily driven by the sun’s activity, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar wind. Space weather can have a wide range of impacts, from disrupting satellite communications … Read more
I. What is Space Weather? Space weather refers to the conditions in space that are influenced by the sun’s activity. Just like Earth has its own weather patterns such as rain, snow, and wind, space also has its own set of conditions that can impact various celestial bodies in the solar system. These conditions can … Read more
What are Auroras? Auroras, also known as the Northern Lights in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Lights in the Southern Hemisphere, are natural light displays in the sky that occur predominantly in high-latitude regions. These mesmerizing displays are caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. What … Read more
I. What are Galactic Cosmic Rays? Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) are high-energy particles that originate from outside our solar system. These particles, which include protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei, travel through space at nearly the speed of light. GCRs are constantly bombarding Earth and other celestial bodies, posing a potential threat to both technology and … Read more
I. What is a Solar Cycle? The solar cycle is the approximately 11-year period of change in the Sun’s activity levels. This cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of sunspots, solar flares, and other solar phenomena. The solar cycle is driven by the Sun’s magnetic field, which becomes more active during solar maximum … Read more
I. What are Radiation Belts? Radiation belts are regions of high-energy charged particles that are trapped by a planet’s magnetic field. These belts surround the Earth and other planets in our solar system, forming a protective barrier against harmful cosmic rays and solar radiation. The two main radiation belts surrounding Earth are the Van Allen … Read more
I. What is the Heliospheric Current Sheet? The Heliospheric Current Sheet is a vast, wavy structure that extends throughout the entire solar system. It is a part of the heliosphere, which is the region of space dominated by the Sun’s influence. The current sheet is a surface within the heliosphere where the polarity of the … Read more