Heliosphere (IMAGE)

University of California - Berkeley

Heliosphere

Caption

STEREO detected energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) from the edge of the solar system, where the solar wind meets the interstellar medium. Hot ions in the heliosheath -- the region between the termination shock and heliopause -- are uniquely traced by ENAs and are more intense (indicated by color code) around the nose of the heliosphere, with an asymmetric double peak. The twin STEREO A and B spacecraft are shown in the sun-centered orbit they share with Earth. Last year, the Voyager 2 spacecraft passed into the heliosheath, joining Voyager 1. There, these interstellar explorers continue their journey into the farthest reaches of the heliosphere.

Credit

University of California, Berkeley; L. Wang

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