The boundary of heliosphere mapped

• For the first time, the boundary of the heliosphere has been mapped
• It will be helpful for a better understanding of how solar and interstellar winds interact.
• This boundary is where our Sun does a great deal to protect us.

• The point where the solar wind begins to slow is called the termination shock.
• Then the solar wind continues to slow as it passes through the heliosheath leading to a boundary where the interstellar medium and solar wind pressures balance called the heliopause.
• Here, the solar wind, which pushes out toward interstellar space, collides with the interstellar wind, which pushes in towards the Sun.

Heliosphere:

• Heliosphere was coined by Alexander J. Dessler.
• The heliosphere is a bubble created by the solar wind, a stream of mostly protons, electrons, and alpha particles that extends from the Sun into interstellar space and protects the Earth from harmful interstellar radiation.
• Although electrically neutral atoms from interstellar volume can penetrate this bubble, virtually all of the material in the heliosphere emanates from the Sun itself.