For decades, astronomers have tried to understand what impact the huge Jupiter has on the Earth? Who is he for our planet - friend and protector or enemy?
It was believed that a huge gas giant, the mass of which is 320 times greater than that of the Earth, protects our world, taking on the strikes of asteroids. At the same time, it was possible that Jupiter's gravity could redirect dangerous celestial guests in our direction.
Recently, an international team of astronomers concluded that Jupiter, even larger than the Sun, may have an impact on the Earth and its population. During the research, they came to the conclusion that this planet could be a star, but it did not have enough mass for this, but thermonuclear processes are going on there now.
Jupiter emits 1.7 times more energy than it receives from the Sun and has a very powerful magnetic field. When the solar wind blows towards the gas giant, you can see dozens of auroras flare up in response.
If the Earth is in the middle of the flow from the Sun to Jupiter, then high-energy electrons begin to actively "bombard" our planet. And not only solar, but also Jupiterian.
Why is it dangerous for the Earth? It is quite possible that as a result of these "bombings" many earthly satellites may fail. And that is not all. The power systems on our planet are under threat.
In addition, the Earth's magnetic field protects the population from the attack of two giants, but it copes with this task with difficulty. It is possible that Jupiter has a very serious impact on the climate of our planet, since the location of the gas giant itself leads to changes in the orbit and tilt of the Earth's axis. So, scientists do not exclude the possibility that another ice age may occur on our planet because of Jupiter.