magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir 

-ˈne-

: a region of space surrounding a celestial object (such as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it

magnetospheric

mag-ˌnē-tə-ˈsfir-ik 

-ˈsfer-

-ˌne-

adjective

Examples of magnetosphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neptune’s magnetosphere is large enough to envelop Triton. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

These ejections can collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, the barrier protecting humanity from the harshest impacts of space weather, to produce geomagnetic storms. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Three cups are pointed towards the Sun to record solar wind while inside the heliosphere, while the fourth is positioned at a right angle to the others to capture information on various planetary magnetospheres, the heliosphere, and interstellar space. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024

Experts say the best times to see the lights are around the spring and fall equinoxes because of the way solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere to create larger geomagnetic storms. —Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

magneto- + -sphere

Note: Term introduced by the Austrian-born physicist Thomas Gold (1920-2004) in "Motions in the Magnetosphere of the Earth," Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 64, no. 9 (September, 1959), pp. 1219-24.

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r 

-ˈnet-

: a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field