Suggested Searches

How Does the Sun’s Magnetosphere Cause Aurora by Rachel Geiter

Animation of the bubble-like heliosphere being bombarded by cosmic rays in the interstellar medium, causing it to shrink and grow.
This animation shows cosmic rays bombarding the heliosphere.
Levels
  • Intermediate (6-8)
Material Type
  • Activity/Hands-on
  • Lesson Plan
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 1.2 – The Sun is active…
NGSS
  • PS2 - Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Heliophysics Topics
  • Aurora
  • Coronal Mass Ejection
  • Solar Wind
  • Sun
  • Magnetosphere
  • Space Weather
  • Magnetic Field
  • Solar System
  • Heliosphere
Heliophysics Missions
  • Sounding Rocket
  • ARTEMIS (THEMIS)
  • Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

In this 5E middle school lesson, students explain the magnetic fields in the sun and what causes them (movement of plasma). They model a solar flare, a CME, and solar wind and create a kinesthetic memory aid for each.

Learn more at: https://outreach.gi.alaska.edu/nasa-heliophysics/heliophysics/how-does-suns-magnetosphere-cause-aurora-rachel-geiter