"Conditions on the Sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and can endanger human life or health.". Nasa's Solar Helio-Observatory SOHO
It's that last part that should make you squirm a little "and can endanger human life or health". Space weather may sound cute (and it does) but it is actually a stone cold sober topic that deserves your attention. Our magnetic shield is what makes life possible on Earth for all creatures except for some rare extremaphobes living at the bottom of some sunless trench sucking on thermal vents to feed of the nitrogen and sulfur compounds instead of photosynthesis.
When you look at our spaceship we are all sharing remember it is a traveler. It is constantly moving through new real estate. The Earth is bombarded by the solar wind which is toxic to life. Our magnetic shield protects us from these dangerously energized particles. Together with the whisper thin veil of our atmosphere and protective UV Shield they protect us night and day from the giver of all life on our planet - the Sun. You can barely make out the atmosphere in the picture above. It is the dark blue haze against the black of space. It is very thin and very precious.
Bob Dennis - Space Tutor
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