Earth's magnetosphere, conceptual image. Computer illustration of the Earth being protected by its magnetic field (magnetosphere), which deflects charged particles from the Sun (the solar wind, coloured swirls) around the planet. Earth's magnetic field is caused by fluid dynamo processes in its iron core, and the resulting electric currents. If the magnetic field was not present, the solar wind would damage life on Earth. Intense solar storms, such as solar flares, produce potential lethal levels of radiation for astronauts in space, raise radiation levels on the Earth's surface, and severely disrupt satellite and radio communications.