the constant stream of charged particles, esp protons and electrons, emitted by the sun at high velocities, its density and speed varying during periods of solar activity. It interacts with the earth's magnetic field, some of the particles being trapped by the magnetic lines of force, and causes auroral displays
See also Van Allen belt, magnetosphere
solar wind in American English
streams of ionized gas particles constantly emitted by the sun in all directions at speeds of c. 300 to 1,000 km per second (c. 186 to 620 mi per second)
see also stellar wind
Examples of 'solar wind' in a sentence
solar wind
This is when the interaction between the solar winds and the Earth 's magnetic fields is most active.