How does the solar wind affect Earth's atmosphere?

[PaperAirplane]

In the past many of us have read Mr Faraday calculated the “weight” of photon’s striking the surface of the Earth per acre at something like 4 and ½ ounces. Today, frequently we hear stories on the subject of the Sun's solar wind and how it is tearing away the Martian atmosphere and even "stealing" Earth's at an even greater rate. As we idly ponder the phenomena, sucking the flavor of dinner from our teeth and peer up into eternity, I’d like to pose the question, “Are there times during the day (or perhaps even the night I suppose) when the solar winds are stronger?” Is there a morning shockwave as the charged particles and photons strike at an angle on the upper atmosphere and the Earth roles into the wind? Is the power of the solar wind creating something like a morning tidal wave of atmosphere? How high might it be? Is there a type of solar vacuum on the night side as the air is drawn along on both sides of the globe, streaming out behind?

I am a student and Lord help me look forward to at some point investigating this on my own too, but wanted to know what others have come across.

Sun Stealing Earth's Atmosphere
Anne Minard
for National Geographic News
May 29, 2009
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/05/090529-sun-stealing-atmosphere.html

Solar Wind Rips Up Martian Atmosphere
...the Mystery of the Missing Martian Air is shaping up to be a ripping good yarn.
Author: Dr. Tony Phillips | Credit: Science@NASA
Nov. 21, 2008:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2008/21nov_plasmoids/

 

[Borek]

You do understand that the day/night cycle is the effect of the Earth rotation and as such completely irrelevant to the question posted?

 

[DrClaude]

You do understand that the day/night cycle is the effect of the Earth rotation and as such completely irrelevant to the question posted?

If I may add: it is always day somewhere on Earth and night somewhere on Earth.

 

[davenn]

Hi there PaperAirplane

welcome to PF

“Are there times during the day (or perhaps even the night I suppose) when the solar winds are stronger?”

No

Is there a morning shockwave as the charged particles and photons strike at an angle on the upper atmosphere and the Earth roles into the wind?

No and no it doesn't have anything to do with photons

Is the power of the solar wind creating something like a morning tidal wave of atmosphere? How high might it be? Is there a type of solar vacuum on the night side as the air is drawn along on both sides of the globe, streaming out behind?

No and No

Firstly, the solar wind originates from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. It is a stream of charged particles (plasma) consisting mainly
of protons, electrons and alpha particles ( helium nuclei). The intensity of the solar wind varies greatly both in density and in speed.
The factors are determined by solar activity, primarily, sun spots, solar flares, and coronal holes. The quiet sun solar wind speed
is usually around 300 km/sec, coronal holes can produce wind speeds of around 500 - 800 km/sec. Solar flares can produce wind
speeds of 500 to around 2000 km/sec. Flares produce very large bursts of charged particles from the Sun.
Coronal holes are the most common/regular producers of bursts of strong solar wind events.
Dave