Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stream of charged particles, primarily protons and electrons, flowing outward from the Sun's corona: The "solar wind" is a continuous flow of plasma that travels through the solar system, carrying the Sun's magnetic field with it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field to create auroras.
  • Scientists study the solar wind to understand space weather.
  • The intensity of the solar wind varies with the Sun's activity cycle.

Advanced Usage

• "to be buffeted by the solar wind": to be affected or pushed by the stream of particles.
  • Spacecraft traveling through interplanetary space are constantly buffeted by the solar wind.

Variants and Related Words

• Solar flare (n): A sudden, intense burst of radiation from the Sun's surface, which can enhance the solar wind.
• Coronal mass ejection (CME) (n): A massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona, often associated with solar flares.

Synonyms

• Stellar wind (n): A similar stream of particles emitted by stars other than the Sun.
• Plasma stream (n): A general term for a flow of ionized particles.

Related Phrases

• Solar wind pressure: The force exerted by the solar wind on objects in its path.
  • The solar wind pressure must be accounted for in satellite trajectory calculations.

Noun

1. a stream of protons moving radially from the sun