A summary of observations of the earth's bow shock

摘要: The earth's bow shock can be regarded as a fast steady-state collisionless magnetohydrodynamic exhibiting wide range of plasma parameter values or an example superalfvenic flow MHD fluid past blunt body. This paper summarizes our knowledge the shock. Satellite crossings have given some empirical data on position and shape Theoretical calculations show critical nature Alfven number. main physical process to explained with regard is mechanism thermalization upstream solar wind. Some classes shocks observed are quasi-parallel shocks, low Mach number laminar high beta shocks.