Influence of Magnetic Fields on the Heliosphere (IMAGE)

Southwest Research Institute

Influence of Magnetic Fields on the Heliosphere

Caption

This image illustrates one possible explanation for the bright ribbon of emission seen in the IBEX map. The galactic magnetic field shapes the heliosphere as it drapes over it. The ribbon appears to trace the area where the magnetic field is most parallel to the surface of the heliosphere (the heliopause).

Credit

Adler Planetarium/Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

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