First space hurricane is confirmed over the North Pole following observations of a 621-mile swirling mass of plasma that rained electrons in Earth’s upper atmosphere
- Scientists confirmed space hurricanes for the first time in Earth’s atmosphere
- The event was observed hundreds of miles above the North Pole
- It was determined an analysis of a 621-mile wide swirling mass of plasma
- Researchers say it rained electrons and had characteristics of other hurricanes
Scientists have confirmed the existence of space hurricanes following observations of electrons raining down in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
A team led by Shandong University in China made the announcement after analyzing a 621-mile wide swirling mass of plasma spotted hundreds of miles above the North Pole.
Observations show a large cyclone-shaped auroral spot with a nearly zero-flow center and strong circular horizontal plasma flow and shears, all of which are found in hurricanes in the lower atmosphere – but instead of raining water, it rained electrons.
The space hurricane moved in an anti-clockwise rotation and lasted about eight hours before breaking down.
Scientists warn that such storms could disrupt GPS systems, but also provide more understanding to space weather effects.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of space hurricanes following observations of electrons raining down in Earth’s upper atmosphere
Professor Mike Lockwood, space scientist at the University of Reading, said the hurricanes could be a universal phenomenon on planets and moons with magnetic fields and plasma.
He said: ‘Until now, it was uncertain that space plasma hurricanes even existed, so to prove this with such a striking observation is incredible.
‘Tropical storms are associated with huge amounts of energy, and these space hurricanes must be created by unusually large and rapid transfer of solar wind energy and charged particles into the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
‘Plasma and magnetic fields in the atmosphere of planets exist throughout the universe, so the findings suggest space hurricanes should be a widespread phenomena.’
Observations show a large cyclone-shaped auroral spot with a nearly zero-flow center and strong circular horizontal plasma flow and shears, all of which are found in hurricanes in the lower atmosphere
Pictured is a drawing showing the characteristics of the space hurricane including its electron precipitation and center eye
Previous observations have found space hurricanes on Mars, Saturn and Jupiter, which are similar to hurricanes in the low atmosphere, along with solar gas that swirl deep within the sun’s atmosphere.
The latest discovery is the first time a hurricane has been observed in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
‘A hurricane is clearly associated with strong energy and mass transportation, so a hurricane in Earth’s upper atmosphere must be violent and efficiently transfer solar wind/magnetosphere energy and momentum into the Earth’s ionosphere,’ reads the study published in Nature.
The space hurricane was spotted on August 20, 2014, which scientists documented as a relatively stable northward interplanetary magnetic field condition (IMF).
The space hurricane was spotted on August 20, 2014, which scientists documented as a relatively stable northward interplanetary magnetic field condition. After about eight hours, the space hurricane perished when the IMF turned southward
IMF is the solar magnetic field that is pulled from the solar corona by solar wind.
The space hurricane, which occurred during a period of low geomagnetic activity, was found to share many features with hurricanes in the Earth’s lower atmosphere, including a quiet centre, multiple spiral arms and widespread circulation.
After about eight hours, the space hurricane perished when the IMF turned southward.
The team explained space hurricanes open a rapid energy transfer channel from space to the ionosphere and thermosphere, which could help reveal important details of space weather effects such as increased satellite drag, disturbances in high frequency radio communications and increased errors in over-the-horizon radar location, satellite navigation and communication systems.
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