NASA | Space Weather Vocabulary

The video explains how the Sun affects space weather through solar wind, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These phenomena can impact Earth's magnetosphere, causing auroras and potentially disrupting technology like satellites and electricity. While these effects are rare and manageable, they highlight the importance of studying the Sun's interactions with Earth and the solar system.

What is the solar wind composed of?

• Gas molecules

• Dust particles

• Plasma particles

• Water particles

What is a solar flare?

• A type of aurora

• A magnetic storm

• A flash of light and X-rays

• A burst of plasma particles

What happens when a CME is directed towards Earth?

• It increases global temperatures

• It leads to volcanic eruptions

• It interacts with the magnetosphere

• It causes earthquakes

What natural phenomenon can be observed when a large solar storm occurs?

• Tornadoes

• Auroras

• Hurricanes

• Tsunamis

What are some potential effects of CMEs on Earth?

• More frequent earthquakes

• Higher sea levels

• Disrupted satellite services

• Increased rainfall