Simulation of Earth's magnetic field in interaction with (solar) interplanetar magnetic field (IMF): The animation illustrates the dynamical changes of the global magnetic field in the course of a disturbance: a temporary compression of the magnetosphere by enhanced flow of the solar wind is followed by a tailward stretching of the field lines. Eventually, the increase of the tail magnetic field results in a sudden collapse of the nightside field (a substorm ) and a gradual recovery of the magnetosphere to its pre-storm configuration.
True science fiction has made the complete revolution to the formerly unknown. On 6/29, Plasma Physicist Jack Scudder revealed he had found what he calls, “X-points”. Heard of wormholes? This is even better. A bona-fide existence of a short portal to the sun. It’s a shortcut, a guide, or a door into the unknown.