Mysterious chorus waves challenge satellite safety in space
These short electromagnetic pulses resemble birdsong. However, they pose a significant threat to the functioning of satellites orbiting our planet. Where do these unique signals come from?
An international team of astronomers has discovered mysterious signals in an unexpected region of space, raising questions about their origin, reports ScienceAlert.
The team identified these mysterious signals, known as chorus waves, in an unexpected region of space. These short electromagnetic radiation pulses resemble birdsong. Previously, it was thought that they resulted from plasma instability, which is ionized gas.
Mysterious signals from space
Until now, chorus waves have been recorded in space at a distance of up to 51,000 kilometres from our planet, which coincides with the strongest area of Earth's magnetic field. However, the latest research has revealed the presence of these waves even at a distance of 166,000 kilometres from Earth. This new discovery indicates that the sources of chorus waves can be scattered across different parts of space.
The research was based on analyzing images from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, launched in 2015. For the first time, scientists observed the process of energy transfer from plasma particles to chorus waves in regions where electrons are sparse. These areas are known as electron holes.
Chorus waves are among the strongest electromagnetic radiation pulses in space, which makes them crucial for understanding Earth's radiation belts and a potential threat to satellites. These discoveries may help solve the mystery of chorus emissions and enhance our understanding of energy transport in outer space.
Other planets, such as Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, also have chorus waves, providing information about the formation of magnetic fields around planets. This research was published in "Nature" and may contribute to a better understanding of space.
