Bow Shocks


In space and astronautical engineering, a bow shock is a phenomenon that occurs when a supersonic object moves through a medium, such as a spacecraft moving through the solar wind. The bow shock is the boundary where the solar wind is slowed down and deflected by the object's magnetic field. This creates a region of increased pressure and temperature, which can have important effects on the object and its surroundings. Bow shocks are important in the study of astrophysics, as they are observed around stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. They are also important in spacecraft design, as they can cause damage to sensitive instruments and electronics.


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