Simulation of the magnetosphere

This 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.