The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
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 topicA film which looks at the interreaction between the Earth's magnetosphere and solar particles, and the possible effects on our climate. Topics covered include: Galileo and Gilbert's historical observations of the Sun, the 1890 solar theory, 1950's speculation that the Sun's magnetism produces the auroras; Goddard's first practical rocket craft in the 1920's, the Russian Sputnik launch [newspaper cuttings only], launch of the US Explorer craft carrying a Geiger counter, discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt; conceptualisation of the solar wind through subsequent research; the ongoing investigation into the cause of the auroras. There are interviews with various academics throughout, along with much footage of the auroras. SEE ALSO: Earthspace, Long Version.
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