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Magnetism and Magnetic Fields

Magnetism is a force field generated by moving electrical charges. An electrical current running through a loop of wire generates a magnetic field. The strength of the field depends on the current and area of the wire loop. Plasma churning through the atmosphere of the Sun drives powerful magnetic fields that sometimes produce cool magnetic storms called sunspots. A magnetic dynamo underneath Earth’s crust generates a magnetic field around Earth.

Radio Programs

Moon and Saturn A giant planet protects its moons December 7, 2021

Moon and Mercury Twisting around the Sun’s closest planet November 2, 2021

Snarling Wolf A small star with a big attitude October 27, 2021

Dangerous Flip A dangerous “flip” in a magnetic field June 7, 2021

Stellar Magnets Turning stars into magnets February 9, 2021

Magnetic Birth Magnetic fields and the birth of stars February 8, 2021

Moon and Uranus Losing a “bubble” of air September 6, 2020

Deadly Sun Deadly consequences of solar storms May 22, 2020

Moon and Jupiter A moon with a lot going for it January 21, 2020

Moon and Saturn Saturn’s unusual magnetic field April 24, 2019

Pointing North Keeping us pointed in the right direction April 5, 2019

South Atlantic Anomaly Zapped over the South Atlantic April 4, 2019

Magnetars A stellar corpse to avoid March 5, 2019

Moon and Aldebaran Blowing a “bubble” around a giant star February 13, 2019

Moon and Saturn A giant bubble around a giant planet October 14, 2018

Steady On Changes in Earth’s magnetic field September 4, 2018

Zapped! A dead star zaps a close companion July 5, 2017

Storm Damage Risks from storms on the Sun June 23, 2017

Quiet Sun A long period of rest for the Sun June 22, 2017

Featured Images

solar wind compresses saturn's magnetic field

Getting Squeezed December 7, 2021
new space telescope looking at a nebula

Magnet Hunter October 19, 2021
magnetic field around supermassive black hole at center of galaxy m87

Doom Spiral March 26, 2021
Gray whale off the California coast

Deadly Sun May 22, 2020