The first space hurricane on the North Pole that rained electrons in the upper atmosphere is confirmed

Scientists have confirmed the existence of space hurricanes after observations of electrons raining in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

A team led by Shandong University in China made the announcement after analyzing a 621-mile-wide swirling plasma mass that was seen hundreds of kilometers above the North Pole.

Observations show a large cyclone-shaped auroral spot with an almost zero flow center and a strong horizontal and circular plasma flow, which are found in hurricanes in the lower atmosphere, but instead of raining water rained electrons.

The space hurricane moved counterclockwise and lasted about eight hours before breaking.

Scientists warn that these storms can alter GPS systems, but they can also provide a better understanding of spatial weather effects.

Scientists have confirmed the existence of space hurricanes after observations of electrons raining in the Earth’s upper atmosphere

Professor Mike Lockwood, a space scientist at the University of Reading, said hurricanes could be a universal phenomenon on planets and moons with magnetic fields and plasma.

He said: “Until now, it was uncertain that even space plasma hurricanes existed, so proving it with such a shocking observation is incredible.

“Tropical storms are associated with large amounts of energy, and these space hurricanes must be created by an unusually large and rapid transfer of solar wind energy and charged particles into the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

“Plasma and magnetic fields in the planets’ atmosphere exist throughout the universe, so the findings suggest that space hurricanes should be a widespread phenomenon.”

Observations show a large cyclone-shaped auroral spot with an almost zero flow center and a strong flow of circular horizontal plasma and shears, which are found in hurricanes in the lower atmosphere.

The image shows a drawing showing the characteristics of the space hurricane, including electron precipitation and the central eye.

Previous observations have found space hurricanes on Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter, which are similar to low-atmosphere hurricanes, along with solar gas swirling deep inside the solar atmosphere.

The latest discovery is the first time a hurricane has been observed in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

“A hurricane is clearly associated with strong energy and mass transport, so a hurricane in the Earth’s upper atmosphere must be violent and efficiently transfer solar energy and solar wind / magnetosphere to the Earth’s ionosphere.” says the study published in Nature.

The space hurricane was seen on August 20, 2014, which scientists documented as a relatively stable interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) condition to the north.

The space hurricane was seen on August 20, 2014, which scientists documented as a relatively stable interplanetary magnetic field condition to the north. After about eight hours, the space hurricane died when the IMF turned south

The IMF is the solar magnetic field that the solar wind removes from the solar corona.

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 calm center, multiple spiral arms, and widespread circulation.

After about eight hours, the space hurricane died when the IMF turned south.

The team explained that space hurricanes open a rapid energy transfer channel from space to the ionosphere and thermosphere, which could help reveal important details of space meteorological effects such as the increase in space. dragging of satellites, disruptions of high-frequency radio communications and rising errors on the horizon. radar systems, satellite navigation and communication systems.