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Student Article

Does Our Solar System Have a Protective Wall?

By: Dr. Alastair Gunn
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Exploring the boundary between our Solar System and interstellar space, and how it protects Earth.

The article "Does Our Solar System Have a Protective Wall?" from BBC Science Focus explains the concept of the "heliopause," the boundary where the solar wind from the Sun meets the interstellar medium. This boundary, sometimes described as a "wall," plays a crucial role in protecting Earth from harmful cosmic rays.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Physical Science
Keywords
heliopausesolar windSolar Systeminterstellar mediumheliospherecosmic raysVoyager spacecraft
An illustration of the solar system showing the Sun in the center with eight planets orbiting around it
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400-600L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700-900L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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