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Unusual White Streaks in Northern Lights Raise Questions About Atmospheric Phenomenon
White streaks have been observed weaving through the northern lights, presenting a new atmospheric puzzle. Captured by the TREx mission, these eerie white glows appear alongside traditional red and green auroras or in areas where colourful displays have faded. The phenomenon is not considered an aurora, but its emission pattern shares similarities ...
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Earth's Hidden 'Ignorosphere' Could Provide Insights into Auroras
A new dataset developed by Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo provides valuable insights into Earth's upper atmosphere, specifically the mesosphere. Spanning 19 years, the data sheds light on phenomena like auroras, gravity waves, and their connection to space weather. The study, published in Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, ...
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Study Finds Coronal Loop Flickers Could Predict Solar Flares Hours in Advance
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory has revealed a potential breakthrough in predicting solar flares. Scientists observed brightness fluctuations in coronal loops—plasma structures in the Sun's atmosphere—that intensify hours before solar flares occur. This discovery, with a prediction accuracy of 60–80%, may provide 2–6 hours of advance warn...
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Cosmic Rays Could Help Scientists Study Tornado Formation Through Muon Detection
Cosmic rays and their byproduct, muons, may help scientists study tornado formation by detecting pressure changes remotely. This technique would avoid the need for direct measurements within dangerous storms. Researchers plan to use muon detectors over large areas or portable versions to track severe weather patterns. The findings could enhance und...
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Newly Discovered Oxygen Reaction Existed in Primitive Atmosphere, Sheds Light on Origin of Life
Scientists have uncovered a new way oxygen could form in carbon dioxide-rich atmospheres without the involvement of life. The discovery, led by researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China, shows that a reaction between helium ions and CO2 can produce molecular oxygen. This process challenges traditional methods of life detect...
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TRAPPIST-1b Could Have Carbon Dioxide-Rich Atmosphere, Study Reveals
A new study published in Nature Astronomy proposes that TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, might have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. This discovery comes from new data showing a reflective haze in the planet's upper atmosphere. Scientists are also investigating the possibility of volcanic activity based on the planet’s...
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Mars Dust Storms May Be Predictable Based on Surface Heating Patterns
A new study suggests warm days on Mars often precede dust storms, with researchers analysing data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The findings show 78% of storms correlate with increased solar heating, particularly in northern regions of the planet. Scientists have developed an algorithm predicting certain storm types with 64% confidence, ...
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NASA’s 2024 Solar Eclipse Studies Offer Key Insights on Sun-Earth Interactions
NASA’s April 8, 2024, solar eclipse studies highlight the Sun's effects on Earth’s atmosphere, including corona changes, ionospheric impacts, and atmospheric gravity waves. Data from citizen scientists and research teams deepened the understanding of these interactions, as presented during the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting. Key fi...
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Venus Never Had Oceans or Conditions to Support Life, New Study Finds
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have concluded that Venus likely never had oceans or conditions to support life. Their study, published in Nature Astronomy, analysed atmospheric chemistry and volcanic activity. They found that volcanic gases lacked significant steam, indicating the planet's interior has always been dry. This research ha...
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Earth Microbes Discovered in Asteroid Ryugu Sample, Raises Contamination Concerns
A study has confirmed that terrestrial microbes colonised a Ryugu asteroid sample after its return to Earth in 2020. The micro-organisms were found to proliferate upon exposure to Earth's atmosphere, raising concerns over contamination risks in planetary exploration. Published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science, the findings underline the need for ...
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Space Debris Accumulation in the Stratosphere Threatens Major Environmental Risks
The growing presence of satellite space junk, as more satellites enter Earth's orbit, has raised concerns about environmental impacts. Pollution from burnt-up satellites contributes to changes in atmospheric chemistry, with metals like aluminium potentially harming the ozone layer. Scientists warn that satellite re-entries are contributing to a ris...
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Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors: What Makes Each Celestial Object Unique
NASA planetary scientists explain that asteroids, comets, and meteors all orbit the Sun but differ greatly in their composition, appearance, and behaviour. These objects play unique roles in understanding the solar system’s formation and evolution.
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Scientists Discover New Electric Field in Earth’s Atmosphere Crucial for Life
Scientists have finally detected the long-predicted ambipolar electric field in Earth's atmosphere. Though weak, it plays a crucial role in shaping the planet’s upper atmosphere, impacting the polar wind and potentially contributing to Earth’s habitability. This discovery could help explain why Earth’s atmosphere has remained conducive to lif...
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NASA’s Juno Probe Captures Stunning Views of Jupiter’s Storms and Moon Amalthea
NASA’s Juno probe captured vibrant, high-contrast images of Jupiter’s stormy atmosphere and an up-close view of its moon, Amalthea, during the spacecraft’s 66th flyby on October 23. The images were processed by citizen scientists, enhancing the colours to showcase Jupiter’s unique cloud formations and highlighting details of Amalthea agains...
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Ancient Log Discovery in Canada Shows How Wood Burial Could Be Key to Affordable Carbon Storage
A 3,775-year-old log, found by climate scientist Ning Zeng's team in Canada, has shown the potential of buried wood for long-term carbon storage. When covered by clay, the log retained most of its carbon, hinting at a cost-effective, natural solution for lowering atmospheric CO2 levels. Researchers suggest this low-cost strategy could lock away car...
-
Unusual White Streaks in Northern Lights Raise Questions About Atmospheric Phenomenon
White streaks have been observed weaving through the northern lights, presenting a new atmospheric puzzle. Captured by the TREx mission, these eerie white glows appear alongside traditional red and green auroras or in areas where colourful displays have faded. The phenomenon is not considered an aurora, but its emission pattern shares similarities ...
-
Earth's Hidden 'Ignorosphere' Could Provide Insights into Auroras
A new dataset developed by Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo provides valuable insights into Earth's upper atmosphere, specifically the mesosphere. Spanning 19 years, the data sheds light on phenomena like auroras, gravity waves, and their connection to space weather. The study, published in Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, ...
-
Study Finds Coronal Loop Flickers Could Predict Solar Flares Hours in Advance
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory has revealed a potential breakthrough in predicting solar flares. Scientists observed brightness fluctuations in coronal loops—plasma structures in the Sun's atmosphere—that intensify hours before solar flares occur. This discovery, with a prediction accuracy of 60–80%, may provide 2–6 hours of advance warn...
-
Cosmic Rays Could Help Scientists Study Tornado Formation Through Muon Detection
Cosmic rays and their byproduct, muons, may help scientists study tornado formation by detecting pressure changes remotely. This technique would avoid the need for direct measurements within dangerous storms. Researchers plan to use muon detectors over large areas or portable versions to track severe weather patterns. The findings could enhance und...
-
Newly Discovered Oxygen Reaction Existed in Primitive Atmosphere, Sheds Light on Origin of Life
Scientists have uncovered a new way oxygen could form in carbon dioxide-rich atmospheres without the involvement of life. The discovery, led by researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China, shows that a reaction between helium ions and CO2 can produce molecular oxygen. This process challenges traditional methods of life detect...
-
TRAPPIST-1b Could Have Carbon Dioxide-Rich Atmosphere, Study Reveals
A new study published in Nature Astronomy proposes that TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, might have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. This discovery comes from new data showing a reflective haze in the planet's upper atmosphere. Scientists are also investigating the possibility of volcanic activity based on the planet’s...
-
Mars Dust Storms May Be Predictable Based on Surface Heating Patterns
A new study suggests warm days on Mars often precede dust storms, with researchers analysing data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The findings show 78% of storms correlate with increased solar heating, particularly in northern regions of the planet. Scientists have developed an algorithm predicting certain storm types with 64% confidence, ...
-
NASA’s 2024 Solar Eclipse Studies Offer Key Insights on Sun-Earth Interactions
NASA’s April 8, 2024, solar eclipse studies highlight the Sun's effects on Earth’s atmosphere, including corona changes, ionospheric impacts, and atmospheric gravity waves. Data from citizen scientists and research teams deepened the understanding of these interactions, as presented during the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting. Key fi...
-
Venus Never Had Oceans or Conditions to Support Life, New Study Finds
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have concluded that Venus likely never had oceans or conditions to support life. Their study, published in Nature Astronomy, analysed atmospheric chemistry and volcanic activity. They found that volcanic gases lacked significant steam, indicating the planet's interior has always been dry. This research ha...
-
Earth Microbes Discovered in Asteroid Ryugu Sample, Raises Contamination Concerns
A study has confirmed that terrestrial microbes colonised a Ryugu asteroid sample after its return to Earth in 2020. The micro-organisms were found to proliferate upon exposure to Earth's atmosphere, raising concerns over contamination risks in planetary exploration. Published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science, the findings underline the need for ...
-
Space Debris Accumulation in the Stratosphere Threatens Major Environmental Risks
The growing presence of satellite space junk, as more satellites enter Earth's orbit, has raised concerns about environmental impacts. Pollution from burnt-up satellites contributes to changes in atmospheric chemistry, with metals like aluminium potentially harming the ozone layer. Scientists warn that satellite re-entries are contributing to a ris...
-
Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors: What Makes Each Celestial Object Unique
NASA planetary scientists explain that asteroids, comets, and meteors all orbit the Sun but differ greatly in their composition, appearance, and behaviour. These objects play unique roles in understanding the solar system’s formation and evolution.
-
Scientists Discover New Electric Field in Earth’s Atmosphere Crucial for Life
Scientists have finally detected the long-predicted ambipolar electric field in Earth's atmosphere. Though weak, it plays a crucial role in shaping the planet’s upper atmosphere, impacting the polar wind and potentially contributing to Earth’s habitability. This discovery could help explain why Earth’s atmosphere has remained conducive to lif...
-
NASA’s Juno Probe Captures Stunning Views of Jupiter’s Storms and Moon Amalthea
NASA’s Juno probe captured vibrant, high-contrast images of Jupiter’s stormy atmosphere and an up-close view of its moon, Amalthea, during the spacecraft’s 66th flyby on October 23. The images were processed by citizen scientists, enhancing the colours to showcase Jupiter’s unique cloud formations and highlighting details of Amalthea agains...
-
Ancient Log Discovery in Canada Shows How Wood Burial Could Be Key to Affordable Carbon Storage
A 3,775-year-old log, found by climate scientist Ning Zeng's team in Canada, has shown the potential of buried wood for long-term carbon storage. When covered by clay, the log retained most of its carbon, hinting at a cost-effective, natural solution for lowering atmospheric CO2 levels. Researchers suggest this low-cost strategy could lock away car...
