![PMF IAS Environment for UPSC 2022-23 [paperback] PMF IAS [Nov 30, 2021]…](https://pmfias.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pmfiasenvironmentforupsc2022-23paperbackpmfiasnov302021.jpg)
Heliopause ― The boundary of The Solar System?
Subscribe to Never Miss an Important Update! Assured Discounts on New Products!
Must Join PMF IAS Telegram Channel & PMF IAS History Telegram Channel
Last updated on April 26, 2024 11:37 PM
- What defines the boundary of the solar system? Sun’s light? The influence of the Sun’s gravity? Or the influence of the Sun’s magnetic field & the solar wind? There is no definite boundary where the light or gravity stops or where they suddenly get weaker. The solar wind is however different from light or gravity. As it streams away from the Sun, it races out against the interstellar medium ― space between the stars permeated by hydrogen and helium gas).
- Even though the interstellar medium has a low density, it still has a pressure (similar to air pressure). The solar wind also has pressure. It blows against the interstellar medium and creates a bubble-like region. This bubble that surrounds the solar system is called the heliosphere (not a sphere in the true sense).
- Since the Sun is moving relative to the interstellar medium around it, the heliosphere forms a wave or shock in the interstellar medium like a boat in the ocean. This is called the bow shock or wave.
- The region where the solar wind begins to interact with the interstellar medium and begins to slow down is called the heliosheath.
- The heliosheath has a few parts: the termination shock (the innermost part of the boundary), the heliopause (the outermost part of the boundary) and the part in between the inner and outer boundary.
- The termination shock is the boundary where the solar wind particles slow down so that the particles are travelling slower than the speed of sound.
- At the heliopause ― the boundary of the heliosphere, the pressure from the interstellar medium is strong enough to slow down and eventually stop the flow of solar wind.
- Voyager 1 crossed the termination shock at 94 astronomical units (AU) and Voyager 2 crossed at 84 AU.
Last updated on April 26, 2024 11:37 PM
Related Posts
Blood | Blood Groups | Formed Elements
Inheritance – Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
AIDS | Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth
Animal Tissues – Epithelium, Connective Tissues
Plant Parts and Their Functions
Insectivorous Plants of India: Drosera, Pitcher Plant, Utricularia
