Interplanetary space

Interplanetary space

Interplanetary space is the interior of a bubble created by the Sun's magnetic field. Interplanetary space extends out to the heliopause at 110 to 160 AU, well beyond the orbit of the outermost planet Neptune. The Sun emits a continuous stream of charged particles called the solar wind, creating a very tenuous atmosphere (the heliosphere) for billions of kilometers into space. This wind has a particle density of 5–10 protons/cm and is moving at a velocity of 350–400 km/s (780,000–890,000 mph). Throughout interplanetary space the Sun's magnetic field, combined with fields created by the solar winds, deflect low-energy galactic cosmic rays. The distance and strength of the deflections vary depending on the activity level of the solar wind.