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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, September 27
‘China’s SpaceX’ Spins Off Amid Commercial Competition
The Jamestown Foundation — 6:27 am ET (1027 GMT) SpaceX launches secret payload from California
UPI — 6:26 am ET (1026 GMT) SpaceX launches mysterious U.S. Space Force mission from California
KTLA-TV Los Angeles — 6:25 am ET (1025 GMT) My SpaceX moon trip was cancelled when the funder pulled out. How could I return to ordinary life?
Irish Times — 6:24 am ET (1024 GMT) America must restore its space power at war speed
Orlando Sentinel — 6:22 am ET (1022 GMT) |
