HBS #2 The Heliosphere - The Real Shape of our Solar System Will Surprise You
The heliosphere is the vast magnetic bubble formed by the Sun’s solar wind, and new research suggests it might be shaped like a croissant. This strange boundary marks the outer edge of our solar system and helps shield Earth from cosmic rays and interstellar radiation. In this episode of Heavy Brain Space, you’ll learn how the solar wind creates the heliosphere, how missions like Voyager 1 and IBEX revealed its structure, and why its true shape could redefine our understanding of the Sun’s connection to the galaxy.
Geoff Jenkins
What you’ll explore in this episode:
► What the heliosphere is and why it matters
► The edges of the Sun’s reach: termination shock, heliosheath, and heliopause
► How Voyager 1 detected the boundary of our solar system
► The Parker Spiral and the Sun’s magnetic field
► Why some scientists think the heliosphere is croissant-shaped (yes, really)
► What this means for cosmic rays, planetary protection, and our place in the galaxy
► Why humility and uncertainty are part of good science
