What Is The Solar Wind?

Solar wind is the constant outflow of charged particles from the sun.  TThe particles consist of 'plasma', meaning many different types of sub-atomic particles.  These are protons, helium nuclei (alpha particles) and electrons.  The solar wind travels between 200 and 900 km per second, although it's typical speed is about 500 km/second.  Since the sun is 149 million km away from Earth, that means that an outburst of solar activity (leading to a particularly strong solar wind) will reach Earth in about 3 and a half days.  

The solar wind is important because it affects the Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic fields.  The solar wind is also responsible for the aurorae (Northern and Southern Lights near the poles). Especially strong solar winds can interfere with radio signals and tele-communications on earth.  The solar wind varies in intensity quickly and it is not always possible to predict its effects or completely prepare for them.

Solar wind is the stream of charged particles from upper atmosphere to the sun. The solar wind consists of electrons and protons with energies equivalent to 1 keV. Because of high temperature and high kinetic energy these particles escape the sun's gravity. There are two components of solar wind including slow solar wind and fast solar wind. The difference between the two is based on the velocity and slow solar wind is twice denser than fast solar wind.