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Article: Solar cloud hits Earth's magnetosphere.
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- February 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In early January, the sun hurled a billion-ton cloud of gas toward Earth. A few days later, the ballooning cloud landed a one-two punch on the planet's magnetic field, jacking up the intensity of high-energy electrons in Earth's radiation belts. The cloud probably caused the demise of a $200 million communications satellite, researchers say.
This wasn't the largest solar disturbance ever recorded. Nor are such events uncommon. Last month's magnetic storm, however, proved a standout on several counts.
With surprising efficiency, the cloud pumped energy into the magnetosphere, the region of space dominated by Earth's magnetic field. Researchers suggest that the ...