Space hurricanes on Earth have become more active and appeared in new places. What does it mean

On Earth, hurricane season is not only observed on the surface. The ionosphere, the upper layer of the atmosphere charged with solar radiation, also contains vortex storms of plasma, called “space hurricanes.” For the first time, scientists described a space hurricane in 2021. It was a cyclonic aurora, circling for hours near the north magnetic pole of the Earth and throwing electrons into the upper layers of the atmosphere, not water, as is the case with ordinary hurricanes. Now a new study shows that parallel space hurricanes are spinning near the south magnetic pole.

Space hurricanes on Earth have become more active and have appeared in new places. What does this mean? A space hurricane is a subtle but important phenomenon. Image: RIA Novosti Crimea. Photo.

Space Hurricane — a subtle but important phenomenon. Image: RIA Novosti Crimea

Contents

  • 1 Magnetic activity of the Earth
  • 2 What is a space hurricane
  • 3 Why do we need to study space hurricanes
  • 4 Is it possible to predict magnetic activity

Magnetic activity of the Earth

Analysis of satellite data collected from 2005 to 2016 identified 259 space hurricanes in the ionosphere of the Southern Hemisphere. Space physicist Sheng Lu from Shandong University in Weihai (China) and colleagues reported this recently in the Journal of Geophysical Research. On average, this is about 23 events per year, which is close to the figure previously estimated for the Northern Hemisphere.

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The team discovered other symmetries. For example, space hurricanes in both hemispheres tend to occur during the summer months. This is interesting in light of the fact that previously, if such hurricanes were noticed, they were on a much smaller scale.

Researchers suggest thathurricanes are caused by shifts in the Earth's magnetic fieldassociated with the solar wind. A barrage of charged particles from the Sun splits magnetic field lines. When the lines reconnect, they spin ionized gas in the ionosphere, sending electrical currents upward, the team suggests. Then the streams bend and begin to rotate, leaving an “eye” in the center. This process can be compared to the rise of warm, moist air in the center of a tropical cyclone, which they proposed to fight with atomic bombs.

Magnetic activity of the Earth. The mechanism of formation of a space hurricane. Image: DevsDay.ru. Photo.

The formation mechanism of a space hurricane. Image: DevsDay.ru

What is a space hurricane

Space hurricanes are a unique phenomenon that is significantly different from ordinary atmospheric hurricanes. While the latter form in the troposphere and consist of water and air, space hurricanes form in the ionosphere and consist of plasma — ionized gas. These hurricanes can reach enormous sizes, sometimes exceeding the diameter of the Earth.

It is important to note that space hurricanes can affect the operation of satellites and communications systems. Intense flows of charged particles can interfere with radio signals and even damage electronic equipment on orbital vehicles. Therefore, the study of these phenomena has not only scientific, but also practical significance. Also, it affects people's health and well-being.

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Why do we need to study space hurricanes< /h2>

Space hurricane researchalso helps scientists better understand the interaction between the Sun and Earth. These anomalies are a clear example of how solar activity can affect the magnetosphere and upper atmosphere of our planet.

Why do you need to study space hurricanes? Space hurricanes are accompanied by beautiful but dangerous phenomena. Image: RTVI. Photo.

Space hurricanes are accompanied by beautiful but dangerous phenomena. Image: RTVI

Such knowledge could beuseful for predicting space weatherand its impact on terrestrial technologies. Including adjusting the orbit of satellites or preparing for the launch of new spacecraft.

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Is it possible to predict magnetic activity

In the future, scientists are planning continue studying space hurricanes using more modern satellites and instruments. This will provide more detailed information about the mechanisms of their formation, development and decay.

In addition, the researchers hope to develop methods for predicting these phenomena, which could help protect space infrastructure and improve operations communication systems.


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