Thread: What effect does earth's Magnetic Field have on electromagnetic radiation?

Hello

As the title states, I've recently considered the effect magnetic fields have on electromagnetic radiation. In primary and junior school, we get told time and time again the earth's magnetic field protects us.

My question is, how does it do this?

From recent studies in physics, I've found out that higher wavelengths (gamma, x-rays) are absorbed by the earth's ionosphere. If earth's atmosphere is absorbing these rays, what's earth's magnetic field doing?

Thank you

The Sun generates a wind of charged particles in space.
The Earth's magnetic field deflects this solar wind. If the magnetic field of earth didn't deflect the solar wind it would likely strip the atmosphere off our planet.
NASA's Cosmicopia -- Sun -- Earth's Magnetosphere

So, what you are saying is, the earth's magnetic field does not protect it from electromagnetic radiation, rather solar wind. From basic research, solar wind is a stream of charged particles in the form of plasma, mostly protons and electrons.

Just clarifying this. Your response is very appreciated, it cleared up a lot of questions I had regarding this topic.

If the magnetic field didn't block and divert the solar wind the ionosphere would be stripped away along with other parts of the upper atmosphere. That would include the ozone layer which protects us from UV radiation too.
The magnetosphere also deflects most of the cosmic rays which are radiation from outside the solar system.

Originally Posted by dan hunter

The magnetosphere also deflects most of the cosmic rays which are radiation from outside the solar system.

When you say radiation, do you mean electromagnetic radiation? If so, how does earths electromagnetic field influence this radiation to cause it to change directions? Why doesnt it do this with radiation from the sun?

Cosmic rays are actually charged particles, not electromagnetic radiation.
I was using the word radiation in the sense it is used to describe nuclear radiation.

Ionizing radiation includes both subatomic particles of matter moving at relativistic speeds and electromagnetic waves on the short wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum, which act like energetic particles. Common particles include alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, and various other particles such as mesons that constitute cosmic rays.^[1][2][3] Electromagnetic waves are ionizing if their wavelength is short enough (and, thus, their energy high enough) that the photons can create ions by liberating electrons as described above. Gamma rays, X-rays, and the upper vacuum ultraviolet part of the ultraviolet spectrum are ionizing, whereas the lower ultraviolet, visible light (including laser light), infrared, microwaves, and radio waves are considered non-ionizing radiation.^[1][3]
Ionizing radiation is ubiquitous in the environment, and comes from naturally occurring radioactive materials and cosmic rays.

Ionizing radiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ohhh. Thank you for clearing this up. Makes sense now

Electromagnetic radiation is how we do many many things such as transmitting and receiving information for internet and TV and radio and cellphones. It is non-ionizing radiation, unlike nuclear - here are sources of ionizing radiation and a description of it.... Ionizing radiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia