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Space physics is the study of the natural phenomenon that occur in our solar system. Specifically, the sun, the particles and radiation it creates and how these affect the planets. This includes the solar wind and its interaction with the Earth and near-Earth space; so-called space weather.
What mechanisms power the heating of the solar atmosphere is a long-standing, complex question. Satellite and sounding-rocket observations, coupled with computer simulations, now support the idea that dissipation of electrical currents causes strong heating in the brightest parts of the solar chromosphere and corona.
An ultra-weak magnetic field from Earth’s core lasting for at least 26 million years may have contributed to Earth’s oxygenation and further diversification of the Ediacaran fauna, according to single-crystal paleointensity data from igneous rocks in South Africa and Brazil.
Kelly and Zach Weinersmith join us to discuss their book A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?
What mechanisms power the heating of the solar atmosphere is a long-standing, complex question. Satellite and sounding-rocket observations, coupled with computer simulations, now support the idea that dissipation of electrical currents causes strong heating in the brightest parts of the solar chromosphere and corona.