Ring current

The ring current system consists of a band, at a distance of 3 to 8 RE,[1] which lies in the equatorial plane and circulates clockwise around the Earth (when viewed from the north).

[2]: 135  The negative deflection of the Earth's magnetic field due to the ring current is measured by the Dst index.

However, one also sees alpha particles in the ring current, a type of ion that is plentiful in the solar wind.

In addition, a certain percentage are O+ oxygen ions, similar to those in the ionosphere of Earth, though much more energetic.

[citation needed] During a geomagnetic storm, the number of particles in the ring current will increase.

Schematic view of the different current systems which shape the Earth's magnetosphere .