Asymmetrical Magnetic Reconnection (IMAGE)

Southwest Research Institute

Asymmetrical Magnetic Reconnection

Caption

On Earth's dayside, magnetic reconnection is asymmetric - meaning it flings particles, like ions and electrons, unequally in different directions. In this simulation, particles are seen primarily moving upwards away from the site of reconnection along the black magnetic field lines.

Credit

Michael Hesse/NASA Goddard/Joy Ng

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