Okuzeka
Astronomy & Space vocabulary · Solar System & Planets

Solar wind

Meaning in astronomy & space, with examples

nounCommon term

In astronomy & space, solar wind means: A constant stream of charged particles flowing out from the Sun into space at hundreds of kilometres per second.

In Turkish: Güneş rüzgarı

How it is used

Used in space weather forecasts and planetary science. When gusts of solar wind hit Earth's magnetic field, they can cause auroras and disturb satellites and radio links. The solar wind also shapes the tails of comets.

Example sentences

  1. Earth's magnetic field protects us from most of the solar wind.

  2. A fast stream of solar wind could bring auroras to northern Europe tonight.

Common collocations

  • fast solar wind
  • solar wind particles
  • solar wind speed
  • space weather
  • SunThe star at the centre of our solar system. Its gravity holds the planets in their orbits, and its light and heat make life on Earth possible.
  • cometA small icy body that orbits the Sun. When it comes close to the Sun, its ice turns to gas and forms a glowing cloud and often long tails.
  • satelliteAn object that orbits a planet or another body. Most often it means a machine sent into orbit for communication, navigation, weather forecasting or observation.
  • solar systemThe Sun and everything that orbits it: eight planets and their moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, dust and gas.

More terms: Solar System & Planets

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: