NASA | Dynamic Earth Excerpt: Viz Challenge Winner

The video explores the Sun's protective shield against cosmic rays and the dangers of solar winds, particularly during coronal mass ejections. It contrasts Earth's magnetic field with Venus' atmosphere, explaining how Earth's magnetic field protects it from solar storms. The video also discusses how solar energy powers Earth's climate, driving wind and ocean currents that regulate global temperatures. It highlights the Gulf Stream's role in distributing heat and the complex interactions within Earth's climate engine.

What is the primary role of the Sun's shield in our solar system?

• To create solar winds

• To strip away atmospheres of planets

• To deflect cosmic rays

• To provide light and warmth to planets

How do solar storms affect Venus?

• They cause volcanic eruptions

• They increase its atmospheric pressure

• They strip away lighter elements from its atmosphere

• They enhance its magnetic field

What is Earth's first line of defense against solar storms?

• Its cloud cover

• Its ocean currents

• Its magnetic field

• Its atmosphere

What drives the Earth's climate system?

• The Earth's magnetic field

• The unevenness of solar heating

• The gravitational pull of the Moon

• The rotation of the Earth

What role does the Gulf Stream play in Earth's climate?

• It prevents ocean currents from mixing

• It stabilizes the Earth's magnetic field

• It carries heat energy to northern seas

• It cools the equatorial regions