Glossary

 MACHOs
Massive Compact Halo Objects
 MEPAG
Mars Exploration Planning & Analysis Group
 MFRP
Mars Fundamental Research Program
 MIDEX
Medium Explorer
 MIDP
Mars Instrument Development Project
 ML3N
Mars Long-lived Lander Network
 MMS
Magnetospheric Multiscale
 MODIS
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer
 MU-SPIN
Minority University-Space Interdisciplinary Network
 Maunder minimum
A 70-year period from 1645 to 1715 when sunspots were rare.
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 Milky Way
The galaxy of which the sun and the solar system are a part and which contains the myriads of stars that create the light of the Milky Way.
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 magnetic storms
A large-scale disturbance of the magnetosphere, often initiated by the arrival of an interplanetary shock originating at the Sun.
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 magnetopause
The boundary surface between the solar wind and the magnetosphere where the pressure of the magnetic field equals the pressure of the solar wind
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 magnetosphere
The region surrounding a celestial body where its magnetic field controls the motions of charged particles.
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 magnetotail
The portion of a planetary magnetosphere which is pushed in the direction of the solar wind
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 mesoscale
Of or relating to a meteorological phenomenon approximately 10 to 1000 kilometers in horizontal extent.
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 meteor
Any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere.
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 meteorites
A meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized.
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 meteorology
Study of the atmosphere and its phenomena.
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 microphysical
The physics of molecules, atoms, and elementary particles.
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 mission
NASA Science-funded activity with the purpose of meeting goals laid out by presidential directive, and detailed in Science Mission Directorate's strategic plan.
 mitigate
To cause to become less harsh or hostile.
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 modeling
A mathematical representation of a process, system, or object developed to understand its behavior or to make predictions. The representation always involves certain simplifications and assumptions.
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 modulated
To vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio); to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam.
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