{"id":372464,"date":"2026-02-20T00:28:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/get-involved\/citizen-science\/map-the-earths-magnetic-shield-with-the-space-umbrella-project\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T00:28:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:28:32","slug":"map-the-earths-magnetic-shield-with-the-space-umbrella-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=372464","title":{"rendered":"Map the Earth\u2019s Magnetic Shield with the Space Umbrella Project"},"content":{"rendered":"
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2 min read<\/p>\n

Map the Earth\u2019s Magnetic Shield with the Space Umbrella Project<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A stream of charged particles known as the solar wind flows from the Sun toward Earth. Here, it meets the Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, which shield our planet like a giant umbrella. The Space Umbrella project needs your help investigating this dynamic region, where NASA\u2019s Magnetosphere Multiscale (MMS) mission<\/a> has been collecting data since 2015. The MMS mission investigates how the Sun and Earth\u2019s magnetic fields connect and disconnect, explosively transferring energy from one to the other in a process that is important to the Sun, other planets, and everywhere in the universe.
With the Space Umbrella project, you will help identify when the MMS spacecraft has observed the strongest interactions between the Earth\u2019s magnetosphere and the solar wind. While these interactions can result in beautiful auroras, they also release energy that could disrupt GPS and communications systems and endanger astronauts. Your work will also help scientists better understand solar storms. Understanding these solar storms can contribute to keeping our astronauts and technology safe.
To get started, visit the Space Umbrella project website<\/a> and complete the tutorial. The tutorial will teach you everything you need to know, including how to tell when the satellite is inside Earth\u2019s magnetic field and when the magnetosphere is interacting with the Sun\u2019s particles. Everyone is welcome to participate \u2014 no prior experience needed!<\/p>\n

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Left: An artist\u2019s drawing of Earth\u2019s magnetic field (blue lines) interacting with the Sun\u2019s charged particles (yellow lines). The Earth\u2019s magnetosphere (orange crescent) is created by Earth\u2019s magnetic field. It deflects those particles like an umbrella. Right: NASA MMS mission observations like those volunteers would see while participating in the Space Umbrella project.\u00a0<\/div>\n
NASA\/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n