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What Is the Solar Wind

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: scienceela
Standards: MS-ESS1-1
Languages: English, Spanish

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Reading passage

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About this reader

science,ela

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

The dark region seen on the face of the sun at the end of March 2013 is a coronal hole just above and to the right of the middle of the picture, which is a source of fast solar wind leaving the sun in this image from NASA Solar Dynamic Observatory."Pulses from the Sun" / NASA (Public domain).

The Sun does more than provide light and warmth to Earth. It constantly releases a stream of tiny charged particles into space. Scientists call this invisible flow the solar wind. This stream of particles travels outward from the Sun in all directions. It moves at speeds between 250 and 500 miles per second. The solar wind reaches every planet in our solar system.

The solar wind consists mainly of electrons and protons. These charged particles come from the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona. The corona is extremely hot, reaching temperatures over one million degrees Celsius. At such high temperatures, particles move so fast they can escape the Sun's gravity. Once free, they speed through space as the solar wind. Evidence shows that the solar wind is not steady. It can vary in speed and density depending on solar activity.

When the solar wind reaches Earth, our planet's magnetic field acts like a protective shield. This invisible field surrounds Earth and extends far into space. Scientists call this protective region the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere deflects most solar wind particles around our planet. Without this protection, the solar wind could strip away Earth's atmosphere over time. This would make life as we know it impossible.

However, some solar wind particles do enter Earth's atmosphere near the North and South Poles. When these charged particles collide with gases in our atmosphere, they create glowing lights called auroras. In the Northern Hemisphere, scientists observe these displays as the aurora borealis. In the Southern Hemisphere, they appear as the aurora australis. The colors depend on which atmospheric gases the particles strike. Oxygen produces green and red light, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues.

The solar wind also affects other objects in space. When comets approach the Sun, the solar wind pushes on the gas and dust they release. This creates the comet's distinctive tail, which always points away from the Sun. Scientists study the solar wind to better understand space weather. Strong bursts of solar wind can interfere with satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth. Understanding the solar wind helps us protect our technology and predict these events.

Interesting Fact: The solar wind travels so fast that it reaches Earth in just three to four days, covering the 93-million-mile distance between the Sun and our planet.

What is the solar wind?

A type of storm on the Sun's surfaceA stream of charged particles flowing from the SunWind that blows on Earth during solar eclipsesThe movement of planets around the Sun

How fast does the solar wind travel?

100-200 miles per second250-500 miles per second1,000-2,000 miles per secondAt the speed of light

What does Earth's magnetosphere do?

It attracts solar wind particles to EarthIt creates the solar windIt deflects most solar wind particles away from EarthIt makes the Sun hotter

In the passage, the word 'corona' refers to:

The center of the SunThe outer atmosphere of the SunA type of solar wind particleEarth's magnetic field

What does 'deflects' mean in the context of this passage?

Absorbs completelyPushes away or redirectsAttracts stronglyCreates or produces

Why do auroras appear near Earth's North and South Poles?

The poles are closest to the SunSolar wind particles can enter Earth's atmosphere more easily near the polesThe poles have more oxygen in the atmosphereAuroras only happen during winter

Based on the passage, what can we infer about planets without magnetic fields?

They would be protected from the solar windThey would be more vulnerable to losing their atmospheresThey would have more aurorasThey would be closer to the Sun

If a comet is traveling through space, in which direction would its tail point?

Toward the SunIn the direction the comet is movingAway from the SunToward Earth

The solar wind is completely steady and never changes speed or density.

TrueFalse

Scientists study the solar wind only to understand auroras.

TrueFalse

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This engaging 400-500 word reading passage explains the solar wind for middle school students in grades 6-8. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-ESS1-1 and disciplinary core idea MS-ESS1.Athe passage describes how the solar wind is a constant stream of charged particles flowing outward from the Sun at speeds of 250-500 miles per second. Students learn how this invisible stream reaches every planet in our solar system and how Earth's magnetic field deflects most of itprotecting life on our planet. The passage also explains how the solar wind creates beautiful auroras and shapes comet tails into long streaks. Audio-integrated content includes vocabulary support with 8-10 key science termscomprehension questionswriting activitiesand graphic organizers. Available in both standard and simplified versions with Spanish translations to support English Language Learners and struggling readers.