Päikesekütteahel

Päikesekütteahel, also known as the solar radiation belt, is a region of space surrounding Earth where charged particles are held in place by the planet's magnetic field. This region extends from about 1.5 to 6 Earth radii, with the inner edge located at approximately 1.2 Earth radii. The primary source of particles in the päikesekütteahel is the solar wind, a stream of charged particles ejected from the Sun's corona.

The päikesekütteahel is divided into two main regions: the inner belt, which is closer to Earth, and the outer belt, which is farther away. The inner belt is typically more intense and is composed of protons and electrons, while the outer belt is composed mainly of electrons. The intensity of the päikesekütteahel can vary significantly, with periods of high activity, known as solar proton events, and periods of low activity.

The päikesekütteahel can interact with Earth's magnetic field, causing phenomena such as the aurora borealis and aurora australis. These interactions can also affect satellite operations and power grids on Earth. The päikesekütteahel is also a subject of study in space weather, as it can impact communication systems and GPS signals.

The päikesekütteahel is a dynamic region of space, with its intensity and composition constantly changing in response to solar activity. Ongoing research aims to better understand the behavior of the päikesekütteahel and its potential impacts on Earth and space-based technologies.