Spacecraft detect auroral power source
Posted: Fri, Jul 25, 2008, 7:24 AM ET (1124 GMT)
A fleet of NASA spacecraft have helped scientists identify the mechanism that powers the auroral displays known as the northern and southern lights. Scientists used data from the five THEMIS spacecraft to link the aurorae to magnetic reconnection events, when the Earth's magnetic field snaps to a new shape, releasing charged particles. The reconnection events are linked to substorms in the magnetic field, which accompany powerful solar events. These substorms take place about a third of the way to the Moon.
A fleet of NASA spacecraft have helped scientists identify the mechanism that powers the auroral displays known as the northern and southern lights. Scientists used data from the five THEMIS spacecraft to link the aurorae to magnetic reconnection events, when the Earth's magnetic field snaps to a new shape, releasing charged particles. The reconnection events are linked to substorms in the magnetic field, which accompany powerful solar events. These substorms take place about a third of the way to the Moon.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Vast signs contract with SpaceX for ISS private astronaut missions
Posted: Sat, Dec 21 11:59 AM ET (1659 GMT) Avio signs ESA contracts for Vega upgrades and Earth science satellite launch
Posted: Sat, Dec 21 11:57 AM ET (1657 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, December 27
Space industrial base racing to meet growing demand for military satellites
Defensescoop — 7:42 am ET (1242 GMT) Satellite bailout leaves Britain nursing losses as shares plunge to record low
The Daily Telegraph — 7:41 am ET (1241 GMT) SpaceX will be a better $1 trln bet than Tesla
Reuters — 7:36 am ET (1236 GMT) From new commercial Moon landers to asteroid investigations, expect a slate of exciting space missions in 2025
The Conversation — 7:35 am ET (1235 GMT) A Silk Road in Space: China’s Space Plan for 2050
The Wire — 7:34 am ET (1234 GMT) |
