magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-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 How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈsfer-
-ˌne-
adjective

Examples of magnetosphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When solar activity slows, Earth’s magnetosphere remains largely undisturbed, reducing the likelihood of geomagnetic storms — the critical catalyst for auroras. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Because of the way the solar particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere, the powerful eruption should make the vibrant northern lights visible to a wider swath of the northern hemisphere than usual. Eric Lagatta, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024 Because of how the solar particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere, the powerful eruption should make the vibrant northern lights visible to a wider swath of the Northern Hemisphere than usual. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 27 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 that unleash spectacular views of the northern lights in parts of the country where auroras are not often visible. Eric Lagatta, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnetosphere 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetosphere was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near magnetosphere

Cite this Entry

“Magnetosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetosphere. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

magnetosphere

noun
mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈnet-
: a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field

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