Q20.
Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth?
Answer
A
Explanation
Most of the solar wind is diverted to poles due to Earth's magnetic field lines. Although a big solar flare can interfere with communication systems and power supplies doing a blackout at some places on the globe, the possibilities are there but marginal. The Earth's magnetosphere (magnetic field) acts as a shield diverting charged particles (solar wind) towards the poles, which is why auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) appear near polar regions.