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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicThis video if the the result of a global Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD) simulation based on the event on 25 November 2001.
The movie shows the colour-coded plasma flow speed in the equatorial plane, together with the magnetic field line attached to a given flow element that passes through the large flow region of the magnetosheath, close to the magnetopause.
By following the magnetic field line attached to the flow element, we can observe the 'magnetic slingshot' effect. As a solar wind magnetic field line encounters Earth, it bends and drapes, and eventually straightens back on the flanks as the magnetic curvature and pressure forces are released, thus accelerating the plasma. The field lines of the magnetospheric are shown in black for context.