solar wind
noun
an emanation from the sun's corona consisting of a flow of charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, that interacts with the magnetic field of the earth and other planetary bodies.
Origin of solar wind
First recorded in 1955–60
Words nearby solar wind
British Dictionary definitions for solar wind
solar wind
/ (wɪnd) /
noun
the constant stream of charged particles, esp protons and electrons, emitted by the sun at high velocities, its density and speed varying during periods of solar activity. It interacts with the earth's magnetic field, some of the particles being trapped by the magnetic lines of force, and causes auroral displays
See also Van Allen belt, magnetosphere
Scientific definitions for solar wind
solar wind
A continuous stream of plasma ejected by the Sun, flowing outward from the corona. This plasma, which consists mostly of protons and electrons, has enough energy to escape the Sun's gravitational field at speeds ranging from about 300 to 800 km (186 to 496 mi) per second and averaging 1,610,000 km (1,000,000 mi) per hour, which allows the solar wind to reach Earth in about 3.9 days. The speed and intensity of the solar wind depends on magnetic activity at different regions of the Sun. The solar wind spreads out from the Sun in a pinwheel pattern as a result of the Sun's rotation, pushing back the interstellar medium to the boundary known as the heliopause. The tails of comets, which always extend away from the Sun regardless of the direction of the comet's motion, are a result of the impact of solar wind, which dislodges ice and other particles from the comet's surface. Similar winds flowing from other stars are called stellar winds. See also aurora.
Cultural definitions for solar wind
solar wind
A stream of particles (mostly protons) emitted by the sun and permeating the solar system.
notes for solar wind
Particularly strong bursts of particles can penetrate the upper
atmosphere and disrupt radio communications on
Earth.