plasmasphere

American  

[plaz-muh-sfeer] / ˈplæz məˌsfɪər /

noun

Astronomy.

1. a region of cool plasma surrounding the earth, extending 8000–25,000 miles (13,000–40,000 km) into space, and bounded by the plasmapause.

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Etymology

Origin of plasmasphere

First recorded in 1965–70; plasma + -sphere

Example Sentences

The results, published in Earth, Planets and Space, show how both the plasmasphere and the ionosphere respond during intense solar disturbances and offer insight that can improve predictions of satellite disruptions, GPS problems, and communication issues caused by extreme space weather.

From Science Daily

During the May 2024 superstorm, it happened to be in an ideal position to record the severe compression of the plasmasphere and the long, slow recovery that followed.

From Science Daily

This marked the first time scientists had continuous, direct data showing the plasmasphere contracting to such a low altitude during a superstorm.

From Science Daily

"We tracked changes in the plasmasphere using the Arase satellite and used ground-based GPS receivers to monitor the ionosphere -- the source of charged particles that refill the plasmasphere. Monitoring both layers showed us how dramatically the plasmasphere contracted and why recovery took so long," Dr. Shinbori explained.

From Science Daily

The plasmasphere works with Earth's magnetic field to help block harmful charged particles from the Sun and deep space, offering natural protection for satellites and other technology.

From Science Daily