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magnetic pulsation
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magnetic pulsation

physics
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Quick Summary

Magnetic pulsations, also known as magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves, are a significant source of variations in Earth's geomagnetic field. These waves originate in the outer magnetic field and travel along field lines to Earth's surface, causing minute oscillations. They are classified as ultralow-frequency (ULF) waves, with periods ranging from one to 1,000 seconds.1

Several mechanisms can generate these pulsations. One common cause is the resonant oscillation of Earth's magnetic field in response to waves in the solar wind. Other sources include waves on the magnetopause, sudden pressure pulses, and changes in solar wind flow direction. Additionally, instabilities related to particle motion within the magnetosphere can create these waves.1

While the term "pulsar" also refers to rapidly spinning neutron stars emitting regular pulses of radiation, magnetic pulsations are a phenomenon related to Earth's magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.213

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. geomagnetic field - Magnetohydrodynamic waves —magnetic pulsations
  2. Earth - The geomagnetic field and magnetosphere
  3. pulsar
  4. time - Pulsar time

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