How much energy is in the solar wind plus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the energy interactions between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field, exploring the implications of this energy, particularly in relation to phenomena such as auroras and potential effects on the Earth's core. Participants consider various aspects of energy absorption, transfer, and the consequences of solar activity, including coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nature of energy interactions with the Earth's magnetic field and speculates on whether this energy could ultimately energize the Earth's core.
  • Another participant responds dismissively but provides a link to a NASA article about spacequakes, suggesting a connection to the topic.
  • A different participant shares videos of "quake lights" and lightning during a significant earthquake, linking these phenomena to solar activity and CMEs, although the relevance is not universally accepted.
  • One participant argues that the observed phenomena can be attributed to mundane causes, such as electric power lines arcing during earthquakes.
  • Another participant claims that significant amounts of energy are induced into the Earth by solar wind interactions, particularly during CMEs, citing examples of induced electrical currents affecting infrastructure like oil pipelines and electrical grids.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with some supporting the idea of significant energy interactions while others challenge the interpretations or suggest alternative explanations. No consensus is reached on the implications or nature of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific assumptions about the nature of energy transfer and the effects of solar activity, which are not fully explored or agreed upon in the discussion.

cskoog
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I have wondered lately about the amount of energy which interacts with the Earth's magnetic field. Further, to the extent not converted to light as with the auroras, what happens to it in the interaction? If the energy is significant, is it in any way absorbed, transferred or otherwise lead to induce energy into or along the magnetic field? Might it then ultimately energize the core? Probably crazy talk...
 
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cskoog said:
I have wondered lately about the amount of energy which interacts with the Earth's magnetic field. Further, to the extent not converted to light as with the auroras, what happens to it in the interaction? If the energy is significant, is it in any way absorbed, transferred or otherwise lead to induce energy into or along the magnetic field? Might it then ultimately energize the core? Probably crazy talk...

Yes, you are crazy. But since there's no fixing that, you can look at this:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/27jul_spacequakes/

Respectfully,
Dotini
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I wouldn't put them down to anything more mysterious than electric power lines etc arcing out with the shaking of power poles etc.


Dave
 
cskoog said:
I have wondered lately about the amount of energy which interacts with the Earth's magnetic field. Further, to the extent not converted to light as with the auroras, what happens to it in the interaction? If the energy is significant, is it in any way absorbed, transferred or otherwise lead to induce energy into or along the magnetic field? Might it then ultimately energize the core? Probably crazy talk...

millions (zillions) of Watts of energy is induced into the Earth by the interaction of the solar wind charged particles particularly during the major CME's (coronal mass ejections) and the Earth's magnetic field. This is observed in at least a couple of ways...
huge induced electrical currents into cross country oil pipelines in Canada and Alaska (and presumably in Russia)
and also huge induced currents into hi latitude nationwide electrical grids that often lead to massive power blackouts as systems totally overload as has happened in years gone bye

Dave
 

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