Upper limits of the magnetic moments of all the planets except Pluto are known.

Most objects form magnetospheres (intrinsic or induced) in their interaction with the solar wind.

Earth is the only known planet with liquid water and life.

Life has strongly mediated the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere.

The Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and atmosphere play a key role in protecting life from exposure to damaging energetic charged particles and electromagnetic radiation.

Charged particles are accelerated to high energies in planetary magnetospheres.

The observed dynamic range of the solar wind and of solar irradiance produces changes in the configuration and state of the magnetosphere and atmosphere.

Large-scale current systems are associated with major reconfigurations in the magnetosphere.

Planets with magnetospheres have strong auroral displays.

The dynamics, structure, composition, and chemistry of the upper atmosphere are strongly determined by influences from above (solar wind, magnetosphere) and below (upward-propagating waves).

Magnetospheres, ionospheres, and atmospheres modulate the exposure of planetary and satellite surfaces to charged particles and electromagnetic radiation.