IBEX, New Map of the Heliosphere

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In summary, the press conference discussed the unexpected changes in the ribbon caused by the excitation of matter from the solar wind through a local z-pinch.
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Skyhunter
Here is the press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mTnwjd8CF1c&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mTnwjd8CF1c&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

It will be interesting to watch how these surprises are explained, as well as how the ribbon changes over time.
 
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Correct me if I'm wrong but magnetic fields are created by electric current and the ribbon is present where the magnetic field is most bent, therefore could this phenomenon be caused by excitation of matter from the solar wind by a local z-pinch?
 
  • #3
The IBEX team has already published a new map of the heliosphere, which is the region of space influenced by the Sun's magnetic and solar wind. This new map shows a much more complex and dynamic structure than previously thought. This is a significant discovery that will greatly enhance our understanding of the heliosphere and its interactions with the surrounding interstellar medium.

I am excited to see the new map of the heliosphere generated by IBEX. The complexity and dynamism of the structure depicted in the map will provide valuable insights into the interactions between the Sun and its surroundings. It will also be interesting to see how the team explains the surprising features observed, as well as how they evolve over time. This discovery highlights the importance of continued exploration and study of our solar system, as there are still many mysteries waiting to be uncovered. I look forward to future research and discoveries made possible by the IBEX mission.
 

1. What is IBEX and why is it important for understanding the heliosphere?

IBEX, or the Interstellar Boundary Explorer, is a NASA satellite that was launched in 2008 to map the boundaries of our solar system and the interstellar medium. It is important because it provides us with a better understanding of the heliosphere, which is the region of space influenced by the Sun's solar wind and magnetic field.

2. How does IBEX create a new map of the heliosphere?

IBEX uses energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) to create its map of the heliosphere. These ENAs are created when neutral particles from the interstellar medium interact with the solar wind. The satellite has two sensors that detect these ENAs, allowing it to create a map of the boundaries of the heliosphere.

3. What have we learned about the heliosphere from IBEX's new map?

IBEX's new map has provided scientists with a better understanding of the shape and size of the heliosphere. It has also revealed that the heliosphere is not a perfect bubble, but rather has a more complex structure due to the interaction between the solar wind and the interstellar medium.

4. How does IBEX's new map impact our understanding of space weather?

IBEX's new map has helped scientists to better understand the interactions between the solar wind and the interstellar medium, which can have an impact on space weather. By studying the boundaries of the heliosphere, we can better predict and prepare for potential space weather events that could affect Earth and other planets.

5. What future plans are there for IBEX and its research on the heliosphere?

IBEX is currently in its 12th year of operation and is still collecting data on the heliosphere. NASA has plans for a follow-up mission called IBEX-2, which will continue to study the heliosphere in even greater detail. There are also plans to use data from IBEX to better understand the effects of solar wind on human space travel.

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