Magnetosphere - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
The region around a planet dominated by its magnetic field, protecting it from solar wind.
Synonyms:
magnetic field, magnetosheath, plasmasphere
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
vacuum, nonmagnetic space
Common Collocations:
Earth's magnetosphere, solar wind interaction, magnetic field lines, geomagnetic storms, planetary magnetosphere
Derivatives:
magnetospheric, magnetospherically
Usage Tips:
Use "magnetosphere" when discussing planetary science or space weather; it refers to a planet's magnetic shield.
Common Phrases:
shield against solar wind, magnetic bubble, protective barrier
Etymology:
From "magneto-" (magnetic) + "-sphere" (region), coined in the mid-20th century for space physics.
Examples:
- 1. The Earth's magnetosphere deflects harmful solar radiation.
- 2. Jupiter's magnetosphere is the largest in the solar system.
- 3. Scientists study the magnetosphere to understand space weather effects.
- 4. Without a magnetosphere, life on Earth would face extreme radiation.