Research reveals Mars can deflect solar wind through ionospheric Zwan-Wolf effect despite lacking magnetosphere
By
Evan Gough
Summary
New research reveals that planets without a global magnetic field, like Mars, can still deflect some solar wind through a phenomenon called the Zwan-Wolf effect occurring in their ionosphere. While Earth's magnetosphere provides robust protection from solar wind, Mars demonstrates an alternative deflection mechanism despite lacking a magnetosphere. The research explores how this effect operates in Mars' ionosphere, though it remains unclear how deep into the atmosphere this process extends. This helps explain why Mars still retains some atmospheric protection despite losing its global magnetic field billions of years ago.
Source
bskyResearch reveals Mars can deflect solar wind through ionospheric Zwan-Wolf effect despite lacking magnetosphereuniversetoday.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledIt's well-understood that magnetic shields protect planets from stars.
If Earth didn't have one, then the ozone layer would be destroyed, and UV radiation levels on the planet's surface would reach hazardous levels, damaging DNA and causing cancer in lifeforms.
Eventually, Earth's water would disappear into space, and Earth would look a lot more like Mars does today, after it lost its magnetosphere: cold, dr
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