Glossary – M
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V
MACHOs
Massive Compact Halo Objects
magnetic storms
A large-scale disturbance of the magnetosphere, often initiated by the arrival of an interplanetary shock originating at the Sun.
magnetopause
The boundary surface between the solar wind and the magnetosphere where the pressure of the magnetic field equals the pressure of the solar wind
magnetosphere
The region surrounding a celestial body where its magnetic field controls the motions of charged particles.
magnetotail
The portion of a planetary magnetosphere which is pushed in the direction of the solar wind
Maunder minimum
A 70-year period from 1645 to 1715 when sunspots were rare.
MEPAG
Mars Exploration Planning & Analysis Group
mesoscale
Of or relating to a meteorological phenomenon approximately 10 to 1000 kilometers in horizontal extent.
meteor
Any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere.
meteorites
A meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized.
meteorology
Study of the atmosphere and its phenomena.
MFRP
Mars Fundamental Research Program
microphysical
The physics of molecules, atoms, and elementary particles.
MIDEX
Medium Explorer
MIDP
Mars Instrument Development Project
Milky Way
The galaxy of which the sun and the solar system are a part and which contains the myriads of stars that create the light of the Milky Way.
mission
NASA Science-funded activity with the purpose of meeting goals laid out by presidential directive, and detailed in Science Mission Directorate’s strategic plan.
mitigate
To cause to become less harsh or hostile.
ML3N
Mars Long-lived Lander Network
MMS
Magnetospheric Multiscale
modeling
A mathematical representation of a process, system, or object developed to understand its behavior or to make predictions. The representation always involves certain simplifications and assumptions.
MODIS
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer
modulated
To vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio); to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam.
MU-SPIN
Minority University-Space Interdisciplinary Network
