Difference between revisions of "Solar wind"
(added links, and references to sailing) |
m (updated links) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The '''solar wind''' is a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. The solar wind is primarily protons ([[hydrogen]] ions), but also has some components of higher mass, including deuterium and [[helium]], as well as electrons. The solar wind has a density of a few particles per cubic centimeter, and moves at a speed of a bit over a million km/hr. Both the density and the speed of the solar wind change with the activity of the sun. | The '''solar wind''' is a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. The solar wind is primarily protons ([[hydrogen]] ions), but also has some components of higher mass, including deuterium and [[helium]], as well as electrons. The solar wind has a density of a few particles per cubic centimeter, and moves at a speed of a bit over a million km/hr. Both the density and the speed of the solar wind change with the activity of the sun. | ||
| − | The solar wind is deflected by magnetic fields, and hence does not directly impact the Earth's surface or atmosphere. Lacking a magnetic field, the moon is directly exposed to the solar wind, and hence solar wind elements can be found implanted into | + | The solar wind is deflected by magnetic fields, and hence does not directly impact the Earth's surface or atmosphere. Lacking a magnetic field, the moon is directly exposed to the solar wind, and hence solar wind elements can be found implanted into [[Lunar regolith]]. Hydrogen implanted into the [[Lunar soil]] might be a resource for lunar [[In Situ Resource Utilization]] (see [[Volatile Scavenging]], and [[Helium 3]] from the solar wind has been proposed as possible fusion fuel. |
One proposed method of space propulsion is to ''sail'' on the solar wind using a "magnetic sail" ("Magsail") or a "Mini-magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion" ("M2P2") sail. | One proposed method of space propulsion is to ''sail'' on the solar wind using a "magnetic sail" ("Magsail") or a "Mini-magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion" ("M2P2") sail. | ||
Revision as of 14:44, 6 February 2007
The solar wind is a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. The solar wind is primarily protons (hydrogen ions), but also has some components of higher mass, including deuterium and helium, as well as electrons. The solar wind has a density of a few particles per cubic centimeter, and moves at a speed of a bit over a million km/hr. Both the density and the speed of the solar wind change with the activity of the sun.
The solar wind is deflected by magnetic fields, and hence does not directly impact the Earth's surface or atmosphere. Lacking a magnetic field, the moon is directly exposed to the solar wind, and hence solar wind elements can be found implanted into Lunar regolith. Hydrogen implanted into the Lunar soil might be a resource for lunar In Situ Resource Utilization (see Volatile Scavenging, and Helium 3 from the solar wind has been proposed as possible fusion fuel.
One proposed method of space propulsion is to sail on the solar wind using a "magnetic sail" ("Magsail") or a "Mini-magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion" ("M2P2") sail.
| This article is a stub. You can help Lunarpedia by expanding it or sorting it into the correct stub subcategory. |
