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The Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) is a narrow, eastward-flowing electric current found high up in the Earth's ionosphere, close to the magnetic equator. This current flows around 100-120 kilometers above the Earth's surface, where the atmosphere is thin but still has enough charged particles to conduct electricity.

Here is how it works in simple terms:

1. Sun’s Energy: During the day, the Sun heats the atmosphere, creating charged particles (ions and electrons) in a layer called the ionosphere.
2. Earth’s Magnetic Field: The Earth's magnetic field guides these charged particles, especially near the equator where the field is nearly horizontal.
3. Electric Current Flow: At the magnetic equator, the ions and electrons move in opposite directions, creating a strong, narrow current. This current flows from west to east and is strongest around noon when the Sun is directly overhead.

The EEJ is important for scientists because it affects radio signals and GPS systems, and studying it helps us understand how solar activity impacts the Earth’s atmosphere.

Here is a diagram illustrating the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) around the Earth's magnetic equator, showing how it flows in the ionosphere. The arrows indicate the direction of the current, influenced by the Earth's magnetic field, and the Sun's role in creating charged particles in the ionosphere is also shown.

What is magnetic equator?

The magnetic equator is an imaginary line that runs roughly parallel to the Earth's equator, and is defined as the place where a magnetic needle has no dip. At the magnetic equator, the magnetic field is parallel to the Earth's surface, and a balanced magnetic needle will be perfectly horizontal.

 

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