magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir 

-ˈne-

: a region of space surrounding a celestial object (such as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it

magnetospheric

mag-ˌnē-tə-ˈsfir-ik 

-ˈsfer-, 

-ˌne-

adjective

Examples of magnetosphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their mission goal is to monitor magnetic signals from Earth’s core and mantle, as well as the ionosphere and magnetosphere. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025

The same energized particles that interact with Earth's magnetosphere to create auroras also arrive carrying heavy, radioactive ions, which can be harmful to astronauts in orbit not shielded by the planet's natural defenses. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 Nov. 2025

The aurora occurs when charged particles from solar flares interact with molecules in the earth’s magnetosphere, creating bursts of light. —Connor Greene, Time, 13 Nov. 2025

Substorms are produced when these particles penetrate Earth's magnetosphere. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

magneto- + -sphere

Note: Term introduced by the Austrian-born physicist Thomas Gold (1920-2004) in "Motions in the Magnetosphere of the Earth," Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 64, no. 9 (September, 1959), pp. 1219-24.

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for magnetosphere

• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• atmosphere
• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere
• chromosphere
• hemisphere
• hydrosphere
• lithosphere
• mesosphere

Kids Definition

magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r 

-ˈnet-

: a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field