1. Earth’s Atmosphere Linked to Space Storms
Title
Earth’s Atmosphere Linked to Space Storms
Sub-Title
NASA’s IMAGE satellite reveals invisible electrified storms linking the atmospheres of the Earth and Sun
Lead-In
YY gigawatts of the Sun’s energy pound into near-Earth space as XX tons of Earth’s atmosphere boil outward to engage in the destructive violence of space storms. Just as nature connects plants, animals, and water in a cycle of life on Earth’s surface, it also connects Earth’s tenuous upper atmosphere and magnetic field in a cycle of space storms. Magnetic explosions on the Sun’s surface drive a cosmic electric circuit connected through the Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen and hydrogen from our atmosphere flood into space …