The basic dipole shape of Earth's magnetic field (bottom) and the teardrop shape of the magnetosphere created by the solar wind (top).
Click on image for full size
Windows to the Universe original artwork.
Earth's Magnetic Field
Text for this level has not been written yet.
Please see the "Intermediate" text for this page if you want to
learn about this topic.
To get to the "Intermediate" text, click on the blue "Intermediate" button
at the top of the page (between the "Beginner" and "Advanced" buttons).
You might also be interested in:
Earth has a magnetic field. If you imagine a gigantic bar magnet inside of Earth, you'll have a pretty good idea what Earth's magnetic field is shaped like. Of course, Earth DOESN'T have a giant bar magnet
...more
Motions within Earth's metallic core generate the planet's global magnetic field. This magnetic field extends beyond Earth's surface and atmosphere into the space surrounding our home planet. The interaction
...more
Certain animal species on Earth (such as the homing pigeon) are able to detect Earth's magnetic field and use it for navigational purposes. Homing pigeons have been known to reach home by flying over 1,6
...more
Uranus has a strange magnetic field. The magnetic poles of Uranus are not at all close to the geographic poles of Uranus. The main magnetic field of Uranus is tilted 59° away from the planet's spin axis.
...more
Mercury has a magnetic field. Its field is weak. Earth's magnetic field is tilted. So is Mercury's. That means Mercury's magnetic poles are not in the same place as its geographic poles. Mercury has a
...more
Looking for online content that can be used for a climate change education course or module? Pages linked below can be used to support an introductory climate change education for either a unit or a full
...more
The Earth has a magnetic field with north and south poles. The magnetic field of the Earth is surrounded by the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere keeps most of the particles from the sun, carried in solar
...more
