Simultaneous observations by the IMAGE and Cluster II spacecraft provide evidence for continuous reconnection at the magnetopause. This observation solves a decades-long controversy about the steady or bursty nature of reconnection. Rather than having an intrinsic burst-like nature, magnetopause reconnection is shown to be driven by the solar wind with any temporal variations being traceable to changes in solar-wind properties.

(2003: Frey et al.)

Read the
• Nature abstract
• View the Full-sized image
• Learn more about [FUV]

Magnetic Reconnection -The process which causes magnetic fields of opposite polarity to merge together, releasing magnetic energy. Commonly observed in solar flares, and in the magnetotail of Earth.

Magnetopause - The boundary between Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind, where the pressure of each system is in approximate balance. It is the location where Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind magnetic field are in direct contact, and where energy between these two systems can be exchanged through magnetic fields and/or charged particles.

IMAGE experiments

• IMAGE
• [LENA]...[MENA]...[HENA]
• [EUV]
• [FUV]
• [RPI]

Useful Web Resources

• NASA/Goddard News Archive
• Sun-Earth Connection Forum
• SpaceWeather.com
• Space Weather Now
• Teacher Resources