OVERVIEW: THE INTRUDERS FROM THE SUN
An introduction to the interaction of electric solar particles (solar wind) with our atmosphere, and an explanation of Cluster's mission to explore the Earth's magnetic defences.
BACKGROUND: WHY CLUSTER PROBES THE EARTH'S SURROUNDINGS
A quick look at mankind's historical fascination with the Sun, and some of the discoveries and questions that have arisen. Previous missions to explore the Sun; the role of Cluster.
ENGINEERING THE MISSION: THE SATELLITE QUADS
An outline of satellite production, testing of the Ariane 5 launcher, and the functioning of Cluster.
INSTRUMENTS: HOW TO SENSE FIELDS, WAVES AND PARTICLES
The monitoring of information received from the Cluster satellites; a description of the various experiments carried by the mission. Why 4 satellites are needed.
SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS (1): PUNCHING HOLES IN THE EARTH'S SHIELD
An explanation of the function of the Earth's magnetic shield; how Cluster will investigate the penetration of this shield by solar partic

begin
00:02:30:00 four ESA satellites orbit in company
00:02:52:00 the solar wind fills a huge bag in space
00:03:09:00 energy is delivered to the atmosphere by the solar wind
00:03:21:00 intruding particles from the Sun concentrate over sub-polar regions
00:03:42:00 the satellites will explore a cavern in space created by the Earth's magnetism
00:03:52:00 some solar particles infiltrate through the magnetic field
00:04:17:00 weak points lie over the Earth's magnetic poles
00:04:25:00 each satellite in the Cluster is a state-of-the-art electrical laboratory
00:04:49:00 the four satellites act as a team
00:04:57:00 Cluster's orbit extends 130,000 km from the Earth
00:05:08:00 while Soho studies upheavals in the Sun itself, a world-encircling network of ground observatories collaborates with Cluster too
00:05:47:00 Cluster will determine how the space environment connects with the Earth's environment
00:06:07:00 our ancestors worshipped the Sun
00:06:19:00 today's devotees are solar astronomers an