How does the solar wind form?
The solar wind is an outflow of charged particles from the Sun's outer atmosphere. This plasma consists mainly of protons and electrons and carries magnetic fields. It is different in both composition and mechanism from wind in Earth's atmosphere.
The corona and outflow into space
The hot corona allows some plasma to escape outward. Flow speed and density vary, influenced by magnetic structures such as coronal holes. Details of heating and acceleration remain active research topics. The continuous solar wind is distinct from abrupt coronal mass ejections, even though both are associated with solar activity.
Effects near Earth
Earth's magnetosphere interacts with the flow, storing and redistributing some energy. Suitable conditions can produce geomagnetic storms, auroras, and disruptions to satellites. Speed alone does not determine the effect; the orientation of the carried magnetic field also matters. Solar wind is not a breeze felt at ground level, and space-weather forecasts differ from ordinary weather forecasting.