In this video from NOVA’s Sun Lab, discover how Earth’s magnetic field interacts with the solar wind and acts like a shield to protect Earth from damaging solar particles. The Sun releases a flow of charged particles into space that can affect life on Earth. Much of the solar wind is deflected by Earth’s magnetosphere; however, some solar particles do enter the magnetosphere, where they become energized. Some of these energized particles funnel into Earth’s atmosphere along magnetic field lines and create auroras. Solar wind disturbances can sometimes interfere with satellite communications and cause other problems.

This video is available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions.