ScienceSeptember 2, 2026
magnetosphere
mag-NEE-tuh-sfir
Definition
The region surrounding a planet, such as Earth, dominated by its magnetic field, which protects the planet from solar wind and cosmic radiation.
Etymology
The word combines the Greek 'magnes' (referring to magnetic stone) with 'sphaira' (meaning globe or sphere). It was coined in the mid-20th century to describe the magnetic envelope surrounding a celestial body.
In the news
The article highlights how the Cluster mission provided researchers with significantly improved data and a deeper understanding of Earth's magnetosphere over its 26-year operational lifespan.
Cluster’s encore for reentry science a success
Read the full article ↗European Space Agency