Final answer:
The Earth generates a magnetic field that protects the planet by trapping charged particles from the solar wind, forming the Van Allen radiation belts, and influencing phenomena like the auroras, observable as the Northern and Southern Lights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Earth produces a magnetic field that shields the planet from solar wind. This magnetic field plays a critical role in protecting life on our planet from high-energy particles emitted by the Sun. The solar wind consists of charged particles that flow outward from the Sun's hot surface. Some of these charged particles become trapped in the Earth's magnetic field, forming two specific areas known as the Van Allen radiation belts. These belts are named after their discoverer, James A. Van Allen, an American astrophysicist. The belts contain energetic electrons and protons that form radiation fields similar to nuclear radiation, which are dangerous enough that manned spaceflights and satellites with sensitive electronics are designed to avoid them.
The magnetic field extends thousands of kilometers into space, creating what is called the magnetosphere. This region is where charged particles are most strongly affected by Earth's magnetic field. Not only does the solar wind supply particles to be trapped by the magnetic field, but it also stretches the field in the direction away from the Sun. Under normal conditions, the magnetosphere extends about 60,000 kilometers or 10 Earth radii toward the Sun, and much farther in the opposite direction, sometimes reaching as far as the orbit of the Moon.
Additionally, our magnetic field influences phenomena such as the auroras, sometimes seen as the Northern and Southern Lights. In areas near the magnetic poles, particles from the solar wind can follow the field lines into the Earth's atmosphere. Upon striking air molecules, these particles cause the molecules to glow, resulting in the auroras' beautiful curtains of light.