The shape of the Earth's magnetosphere is modified by
A) the Moon's tidal force.
B) the solar wind.
C) Earth's own gravity.
D) asymmetries in the shape of Earth's core.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shape of the Earth's magnetosphere is mainly modified by the solar wind, which is a continuous stream of charged particles (mainly protons and electrons) that are expelled from the Sun's corona, constantly bombarding the Earth's magnetic field. This causes the magnetosphere to be compressed on the Sun-facing side and to stretch out in a long tail on the opposite side. The other options listed are not significant factors in shaping the magnetosphere.

The Shape of the Earth's Magnetosphere Is Modified by