Nasa boffins reveal aurora trigger

By

Nasa scientists have uncovered the precise event that triggers the auroras of light at the Earth's polar regions.


The discovery could help protect vulnerable satellites, communications networks and power grids which are all affected by solar storms.

Scientists have known for years that the auroras are caused by the interplay of charged particles from the Sun in the Earth's magnetic field, but have only recently witnessed the trigger event that precedes the aurora displays.

Lines of the Earth's magnetic field far out into space snap into a different shape during solar 'sub-storms', showering the Earth with charged particles.

Scientists may now be able to set up an early warning system for operators of vulnerable equipment. Solar storms can knock out satellites and disrupt Earth-bound communications and power networks.

The discovery was made from data gathered by the Time, History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (Themis) mission.

Themis uses five weather satellites which can photograph the entire surface of the Earth every four days, and a powerful network of supercomputers based in Alaska and Canada to analyse the data.

Nasa has set up a real-time feed from the satellites.
Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright ©v3.co.uk
Tags:

Most Read Articles

TfNSW extends deal for mobile phone detection cameras

TfNSW extends deal for mobile phone detection cameras

IBM aims for quantum computer in 2029

IBM aims for quantum computer in 2029

US says Huawei can't make more than 200,000 AI chips in 2025

US says Huawei can't make more than 200,000 AI chips in 2025

Porn industry standardises on HD-DVD

Porn industry standardises on HD-DVD

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?