1. the boundary between a planet’s magnetosphere and the surrounding solar wind
Usage: astronomy; physics

Examples

• The magnetopause acts as a barrier that deflects most solar wind particles.
• Scientists study the magnetopause to understand how Earth’s magnetic field interacts with space weather.
• The location of the magnetopause varies depending on solar wind pressure.
• Spacecraft have detected charged particles accelerating at the magnetopause.
• During magnetic storms, the magnetopause can be compressed closer to Earth.
• The magnetopause is typically located about 10 Earth radii from our planet’s center.