Our star, the sun, produces huge amounts of radiation from the fusion reaction occurring deep within its core. As this radiation reaches the surface of the sun, it emanates in all directions, including toward Earth, forming a solar wind. This is not a constant flow of energy as once believed. The solar wind fluctuates and changes in ways that can affect the climatic, biological and technological activities on our little planet.
Description
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center describes our sun as an average star that constantly produces huge amounts of energy, stating that if just one second of the sun's output of energy could be captured and used, it would power our current energy needs for 9 million years. This immense amount of energy, the solar wind, includes not only the visible spectrum of light but infrared and ultraviolet light, X-rays, alpha and gamma particles--in fact, the entire spectrum of radiation.
Source
Solar wind occurs as a natural flow of radiation that is constantly hitting the Earth. The magnetic field that surrounds the Earth acts as a shield, routing the energy around the planet. Fluctuations in solar flare activity can increase or decrease the amount of solar wind the sun gives off. Some solar events, such as sun spots, solar flares or coronal mass ejections produce significant amounts of solar wind, which, at times, can penetrate the magnetosphere of the Earth to a larger-than-normal degree.
Planetary Effects
Solar wind can have a significant effect on our planet, producing geomagnetic storms. The National Atmospheric and Atmospheric Administration indicates the changes in solar wind activity can alter weather patterns. Periods of high solar wind activity also produce auroras, shimmering clouds of ionizing gases high in the atmosphere and visible in the northern and southern regions of the planet.
Biological Influences
Due to the dangerous radiation from solar wind, astronauts are required to wear protective suits, and space vehicles are shielded against the radiation. High-flying jet planes can also expose passengers and crew to increased amounts to radiation from solar wind. High solar wind activity can also affect the magnetic field around the Earth, affecting the migratory behavior of birds, marine mammals and other species that use the magnetic field to navigate.
Effects on Technology
Solar wind can affect technology adversely. Power grids, satellites and earthbound telecommunications, pipelines and other man-made systems are all prone to the negative effects of solar wind. In fact, the Space Weather website recounts an occurrence in 1989 when solar wind from a particularly strong coronal ejection shut down half of Quebec's electrical grid, plunging half the province into darkness for several hours, closing down schools, businesses, public transportation and other essential services.
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