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davepamn | August 25, 2009 04:35 AM | in Science & Mathematics

What happens when the Interplanetary Magnetic Field and the solar winds collide with Interstellar space, cosmic radiation?

Explain how hydrogen and the magnetic field create the Termination Shock, Bow Shock and Heliosheath shield of protection. Are the magnetic field swirling and in constant flux. Why doesn't the flux affect us on earth?

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pixelsilva | August 29, 2009 02:55 AM

http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/screen/heic9911b.jpg
Termination Shock, Heliosheath and Heliopause encounters Interstellar Space.

The interplanetary Magnetic Field and the Solar Wind inflate a "bubble" mamed Heliosphere into the Interstellar Medium (interstellar space), which is made of the hydrogen and helium gas present in the galaxy. All of the material in the heliosphere comes from the Sun itself.

During the first 10 billion kilometres of its radius, the Solar Wind travels at over 1 million Kph. When it begins to collide with the Interstellar Medium, the speed slows down falling below its speed of sound and becomes subsonic, this point is the Termination Shock. Then it forms a comet-like tail behind the Sun, called the Heliosheath, here it finally stops. This point where the Interstellar Medium and Solar Wind pressures balances is called the Heliopause; the point where the Interstellar Medium, travelling in the opposite direction, slows down as it collides with the Heliosphere is named the Bow Shock.

According to one theory, there is a region of hot hydrogen known as the Hydrogen Wall between the Bow Shock and the Heliopause. The wall is composed of interstellar material interacting with the edge of the heliosphere.

Other theory states that particles emitted by the sun, bump into the interstellar ones, then they slow down while releasing energy. Many particles accumulate in and around the Heliopause, highly energised by their negative acceleration, creating a Shock Wave.