Mar 30, 2024
Mapping the best route for a spacecraft traveling beyond the sun’s sphere of influence
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: cosmology, mapping, particle physics
The heliosphere—made of solar wind, solar transients, and the interplanetary magnetic field—acts as our solar system’s personal shield, protecting the planets from galactic cosmic rays. These extremely energetic particles accelerated outwards from events like supernovas and would cause a huge amount of damage if the heliosphere did not mostly absorb them.