Geomagnetic

A simulation of Earth's field in a period of normal polarity between reversals.

A planet's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, is the magnetic field that extends from the planet's interior out into space.

This field interacts with solar wind, a stream of charged particles emanating from the local star it orbits.

The magnetic field itself is generated by electric currents, due to the motion of convection currents of a mixture of elements in a planet's outer core.

• Convection currents are caused by heat escaping from the core.

A magnetic field deflects most of the solar wind, which would otherwise strip away any ozone layer that protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation.