Solar Storm Excites Martian Magnetosphere 

Mars's magnetosphere experienced a strong solar wind storm on September 13, 2017. The induced magnetic field, generated by the storm's plasma interacting with the Martian ionosphere, was significantly stronger than usual. This data visualization shows time passing at a rate of 30 minutes of data per second. The solar storm can be seen contacting the Martian magnetosphere around 17 seconds into the animation. After contact, the green current density shows where magnetic current is strong. Lines tracing out the magnetic field are purple in regions of weaker magnetism, and orange-yellow where the magnetic field is strongest. 


For more information: 
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5502/ 

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