How Earth's magnetic field protects the atmosphere from solar wind

Magnetic fields can help protect atmospheres

Earth’s magnetic field pushes away much of the solar wind, helping protect the atmosphere and ozone layer. Mars lost almost all of its atmosphere after its magnetic field faded and the solar wind was able to carry charged particles away.

Australian rock art may be older than Europe's famous cave paintings

~50,000 years old

Evidence from Arnhem Land in Australia suggests some Aboriginal rock paintings may be around 50,000 years old. If the dates are correct, they would be older than the famous cave paintings at Altamira and Lascaux in Europe.

The Sun and Moon nearly match in size

The Sun and Moon appear nearly the same size in Earth’s sky because the Sun is about 400 times wider but also about 400 times farther away. This alignment allows both total and annular solar eclipses.

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How Earth's magnetic field protects the atmosphere from solar wind

Magnetic fields can help protect atmospheres

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