
Astronomers Detect Entirely New Type of Plasma Wave Above Jupiter's North Pole
In a paper published Wednesday in Physical Review Letters, astronomers describe an unusual pattern of plasma waves in Jupiter's magnetosphere—a magnetic 'bubble' shielding the planet from external radiation. Jupiter's exceptionally powerful magnetic field appears to be forcing two very different types of plasmas to jiggle in tandem, creating a unique flow of charged particles and atoms in its polar regions.
Plasma is a key force in shaping Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere. As such, the researchers believe the new observations will further advance our understanding of not only Jupiter's weather events but also the magnetic properties of distant exoplanets.
For the study, the researchers analyzed the behavior of plasma waves in Jupiter's magnetosphere containing highly magnetized, low-density plasma. The team, a collaboration between researchers from the University of Minnesota, the University of Iowa, and the Southwest Research Institute, Texas, found an unexpected oscillation between Alfvén waves and Langmuir waves, which reflect the movement of the plasma's atoms and the movement of the electrons in the plasma, respectively.
Electrons are much lighter than charged atoms, meaning that, normally, the two wave types ripple at very different frequencies—which was clearly not the case for Jupiter's magnetosphere, prompting the researchers to take a closer look. The ensuing investigation unveiled a never-before-seen type of plasma oscillation near Jupiter's poles.
'The observed plasma properties are really unusual, not found before and elsewhere in our solar system,' John Leif Jørgensen, a planetary scientist at the Technical University of Denmark who wasn't involved in the new work, told New Scientist.
Unlike Earth's auroras, which are caused by solar storms, Jupiter's auroras—a barrage of frisky, superfast particles that are hundreds of times more energetic than auroras on Earth—sometimes emerge as a product of its powerful magnetic field. Getting a better grasp on how such phenomena work could be valuable information for future missions in the search for alien life on exoplanets, according to the study authors.
Detailed New Images of Jupiter's Aurora Reveal Strange and Unexplained Brightness
'While such conditions do not occur [on] Earth, it is possible that they apply in polar regions of the other giant planets and potentially in strongly magnetized exoplanets or stars,' the astronomers wrote in the paper.
'Jupiter is the Rosetta Stone of our solar system,' said Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator, in NASA's introductory page for the spacecraft. 'Juno is going there as our emissary—to interpret what Jupiter has to say.'
Initially, NASA expected Juno's mission to conclude in 2017, when they would intentionally steer the spacecraft into Jupiter's atmosphere, a decision that adheres to NASA's planetary protection requirements. But Juno's flight path evolved over time, and NASA concluded that the spacecraft no longer posed a threat to Jupiter's moons. As a result, the agency authorized extensions to the mission.
Heck Yes, NASA's Juno and InSight Missions Are Getting Bonus Time
That being said, the scientists do believe that, by September this year, Juno's orbit will degrade naturally, and it will be gobbled up by Jupiter's atmosphere. However, this by no means ends humanity's exploration of Jupiter; Europa Clipper is slated to reach Europa, Jupiter's moon, in 2030 (the last time we checked, it did some sightseeing near Mars). Of course, even after Jupiter consumes Juno, scientists will still have loads of invaluable data from the spacecraft that they'll continue to meticulously analyze for years to come.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Geek Tyrant
21 minutes ago
- Geek Tyrant
ALIEN: EARTH Aims to Be the Next Big Prestige TV Phenomenon and It May Have Cost Over $250 Million — GeekTyrant
FX is going all-in with its upcoming series Alien: Earth , the first Alien project to bring those nightmare-fueled Xenomorphs to planet Earth. The ambitious new show isn't just another genre experiment as FX and showrunner Noah Hawley are reportedly positioning it as the next prestige-level hit on the scale of Game of Thrones or The Last of Us . According to Variety, FX wants Alien: Earth to be a sweeping, character-driven drama that expands the beloved franchise into new storytelling territory. And they're paying big for it. The series is rumored to have a budget that could exceed Shōgun , FX's recent historical epic that cost around $250 million. That makes Alien: Earth one of the most expensive shows ever produced for the network. This massive investment makes sense considering what the show promises. Not only is this the first time the franchise takes place on Earth, but the series introduces bold new ideas while honoring classic Alien themes. At the center of the story is Sydney Chandler as Wendy, a human child whose consciousness is transferred into a synthetic body. And yes, the Xenomorph threat is coming to Earth — along with some new, terrifying creatures. The earthbound setting also lets the show dive deep into a theme that has always been at the heart of Alien : corporate greed. As Hawley puts it, the series explores what the planet actually looks like in this future. "All I tried to do is think one or two steps ahead. Is it realistic to think that billionaires are going to be trillionaires? The planet is heating up, and the seas are going to rise - it's going to be a hot, wet planet that we live on." Hawley also acknowledges the freedom that comes with building something new instead of being weighed down by decades of rigid lore: "There's surprisingly little mythology across seven movies," he explains. "It was great to not have to jerry-rig a mythology into what's existing, but to just start again." That flexibility is key for Hawley and FX. Gina Balian, FX Entertainment president, added: "Everything doesn't have to fit together the way you expect from Marvel. Fans don't expect that in this universe. It doesn't have the same pressure." This means Alien: Earth isn't trying to create a Marvel-style shared universe, something Hawley has been clear about from the start. Alien has always thrived as an anthology-like series, with each film offering a unique tone and setting. Personally, I'm thrilled that the series seems to be sidestepping some of the lore from Prometheus and Alien: Covenant . Those films redefined the Xenomorph as a product of engineered design rather than an unknowable terror, and that never sat right with a lot of us. A clean slate opens the door for the mystery and dread that made Alien iconic. Alien: Earth is set to premiere on August 12, and if Hawley delivers what he's promising, we might be looking at the next big genre-defining series.

Business Insider
22 minutes ago
- Business Insider
Senegal shoots for the moon with historic NASA agreement
Senegal has formally signed the US-led Artemis Accords, becoming the 56th member to the global framework outlining rules for peaceful space exploration. Senegal signed the US-led Artemis Accords on July 24, 2025, becoming the 56th member of this space exploration framework. The ceremony held at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., marked Senegal's commitment to science, technology, and space diplomacy. Key figures, including Senegal's ambassador and the Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency, participated in the event. The signing ceremony took place on July 24, 2025, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., marking a watershed moment for the West African country as it strengthens its commitment to science, technology, and space diplomacy. The signing event at the U.S's capital brought together important figures from Senegal and NASA, including Abdoul Wahab Haidara, Senegal's ambassador to the United States; Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official in the Department of State Bureau of African Affairs; Maram Kairé, Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency (ASES); and Brian Hughes, NASA Chief of Staff. Following a meeting between President Faye and President Trump, Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy stated the signing of the Artemis Accords demonstrated the close ties between the two countries. President Trump met with Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and other African leaders in Washington two weeks prior to the signing ceremony of the Artemis Accords, which focused on the U.S.-Africa cooperation, as seen on SpaceAfrica. 'Senegal's adherence to the Artemis Accords reflects our commitment to a multilateral, responsible, and transparent approach to space,' Maram Kairé, Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency (ASES). What the Artemis Accords means for Senegal This signature marks a meaningful step in our space diplomacy and in our ambition to contribute to the peaceful exploration of outer space,' she added. Senegal's signing represents a growing trend of African countries participating in space governance and asserting their presence in the next frontier of human development, outer space. Along with aligning with international standards for space activities, such as the utilization of space resources, deconfliction of operations, and the preservation of lunar heritage sites, this move also signifies Senegal's intention to build its own space capabilities. Remarkably, China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program has connections with Senegal as well. Senegal's decision to join both the ILRS and Artemis Accords shows diplomatic balance and a willingness to engage in many international frameworks, which is uncommon but becoming more common among new space operators. Senegal becomes the fourth African country to sign the Accords, after Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola. This trend reflects Africa's rising engagement in determining global space policy, as well as the continent's growing desire to use space technology for development purposes ranging from climate monitoring and agriculture to connectivity and national security. The NASA Artemis Accords Given that several countries and private businesses are carrying out missions and activities near the Moon, the Artemis Accords offer a shared set of guidelines to improve the administration of space exploration and utilization for civil purposes. Basically, the accords are intended to foster cooperation and transparency among countries involved in lunar and deep space missions, particularly those aligned with the Artemis program's overarching goals of returning humans to the Moon and eventually reaching Mars. Signatory countries' adherence to the Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, and best practices and standards of responsible conduct for the exploration and use of civil space is strengthened by the Artemis Accords.

Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
A SpaceX rocket may be visible in Arizona this weekend: Where, when to see Falcon 9
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Arizonans could catch the first Starlink satellite launch in more than a week from neighboring California if conditions are ideal. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the internet-beaming satellites could get off the ground from the Vandenberg Space Force Base before the end of the weekend, if all goes to plan. The impending rocket launch would be the latest Starlink delivery from Southern California since July 18 and the state's second spaceflight within a week after NASA sent two science satellites into orbit for its TRACERS mission July 23. Billionaire Elon Musk's rocket company has of late bolstered its orbital Starlink deployments from Vandenberg – providing entertainment to space enthusiasts and angering some Santa Barbara County residents opposed to the increased launches. As you make your rocket viewing plans, though, an important disclaimer to keep in mind is this: Launches can be – and often are – scrubbed or delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Check back with for any updates on the rocket launch. In the meantime, here's what to know about the launch from Southern California, as well as when and where to potentially spot the rocket in neighboring Arizona: California rocket launches: SpaceX rocket launches have increased in California, and not all residents are happy What time is the SpaceX rocket launch from California? A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory indicates the launch is being targeted for Sunday, July 27, with backup opportunities available the following day, if needed. However, multiple websites dedicated to tracking rocket launches instead suggest the launch window could open as early as 8:55 p.m. PT Saturday, July 26. Neither the Vandenberg Space Force Base, nor SpaceX, have yet officially confirmed the launch. Where is the next rocket launch from California? The launch will take place from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Most launches from Vandenberg fly at a south or southeast trajectory. What is the next mission launching from Vandenberg? The spaceflight will make use of the company's famous two-stage 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket, one of the world's most active, to deliver Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The altitude is low enough to allow for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly. How to watch SpaceX Starlink launch livestream SpaceX will provide a webcast of the Starlink launch on its website beginning about five minutes before liftoff, along with updates on social media site X. California rocket launch could be visible in Arizona: Where to watch Because of Arizona's proximity to the launch site, there's a good chance people there can see the spacecraft streak across the sky, especially at night or very early morning. Here's a list of some possible viewing locations compiled by The Arizona Republic, a USA TODAY Network publication. Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona Papago Park, 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona Fountain Hills, a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, which in 2018 was designated a Dark Sky Community with little light pollution Superstition Mountains, located 40 miles from metro Phoenix in Arizona Cave Creek, a town in Maricopa County about 30 miles north of Fountain Hills, Arizona Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 3400 Sky Harbor Blvd., Arizona, which has a parking garage that is popular for plane-watching Black Canyon City, an unincorporated community in Yavapai County, Arizona Any mountain park in Arizona , 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, Arizona , 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye, Arizona , 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, Arizona , 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek, Arizona Monument Hill, a 150-foot slope on 115th Avenue, in Arizona What is SpaceX? Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded SpaceX in 2002. The commercial spaceflight company is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city. SpaceX conducts many of its own rocket launches, most using the Falcon 9 rocket, from both California and Florida. That includes a regular cadence of deliveries of Starlink internet satellites into orbit, and occasional privately-funded commercial crewed missions on the Dragon. The most recent of SpaceX's private human spaceflights, a mission known as Fram2, took place in April. SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024. SpaceX additionally benefits from billions of dollars in contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense by providing launch services for classified satellites and other payloads. What is Starlink? Owned by Musk, Starlink is a constellation of more than 7,000 satellites that provide internet service to customers around the world. SpaceX has spent more than six years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from both Florida and California. While most satellite internet services operate from single geostationary satellites orbiting Earth at about 22,236 miles, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that operate from a low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up. That allows Starlink's satellites to have lower latency and data time between user and the satellite, improving performance of things like streaming, online gaming and video calls. Residential plans for Starlink services start at $80 per month. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: SpaceX rocket launch may be visible in Arizona: Where to see Falcon 9 Solve the daily Crossword