Latest news with #geomagnetic
Sustainability Times
02-08-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Scientists Panic as "Unknown Forces" Beneath Earth's Crust Threaten to Unleash Disaster on Billions Worldwide, Dividing Experts on Planet's Fate
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) is a region of weakened magnetic field over South America, posing risks to space technology. is a region of weakened magnetic field over South America, posing risks to space technology. 🛰️ Satellites passing through the SAA face exposure to high-energy particles, leading to potential single event upsets and system malfunctions. and system malfunctions. 🔄 The anomaly is dynamically changing , drifting northwest and splitting into two lobes, increasing hazards for spacecraft. , drifting northwest and splitting into two lobes, increasing hazards for spacecraft. 🔬 NASA uses satellite data and core simulations to model the magnetic field's evolution and improve mission planning. The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) is a region of weakened magnetic field stretching over South America and the South Atlantic Ocean, posing significant challenges to space technology and scientific research. This anomaly has drawn the attention of NASA and the global scientific community due to its potential impact on satellite operations and the insights it offers into Earth's magnetic dynamics. As the anomaly evolves, understanding its mechanisms is crucial to mitigating risks to technological infrastructure and advancing our knowledge of Earth's internal processes. Deep Origins and Complex Mechanisms The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) stands as a significant geomagnetic phenomenon, captivating scientists with its complex origins and potential implications. Characterized by a substantial reduction in magnetic intensity, the SAA disrupts the otherwise protective magnetic shield of Earth, allowing high-energy solar particles to approach closer to the surface. This magnetic weakness is intricately linked to the geodynamo, a process within Earth's outer core where molten iron and nickel movements generate the planet's magnetic field. The formation of the SAA is influenced by the tilt of Earth's magnetic axis relative to its rotational axis, as well as the presence of the African Large Low Shear Velocity Province, a massive dense structure beneath the African continent. These factors contribute to a local polarity reversal, weakening the dipole field intensity in the vicinity of the SAA. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for predicting the anomaly's evolution and its broader implications for Earth's magnetic field. 'We Can't Believe Our Eyes': NASA Scientists Stunned by Discovery of a Massive Glowing Ocean Creature Visible from Space A Threat to Space Technology The South Atlantic Anomaly poses significant risks to space technology, particularly satellites traversing the affected region. Exposure to high levels of energetic protons can lead to single event upsets (SEUs), causing temporary malfunctions, data corruption, or even permanent damage to critical systems. To mitigate these risks, satellite operators often implement preventive measures, such as shutting down non-essential systems when passing through the anomaly. The International Space Station (ISS), which orbits through the SAA, has reported occasional 'glitches' and resets, resulting in data loss. While the ISS's shielding protects astronauts, external instruments remain vulnerable. Other missions, like the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON), closely monitor the SAA to adjust their operations and minimize disruptions. As the anomaly continues to evolve, safeguarding space technology remains a pressing challenge for the scientific community. 'NASA Sounds the Alarm': Unprecedented Planetary Surge Linked to Unknown Deep-Earth Force Now Spreading at Global Scale Dynamic Evolution and Challenges The South Atlantic Anomaly is not a static phenomenon. Recent data from the ESA's Swarm constellation and NASA's SAMPEX mission reveal troubling trends. The anomaly is gradually drifting northwest, expanding in surface area, and, since 2020, beginning to split into two distinct lobes. This bifurcation increases the number of hazardous zones for spacecraft, complicating the task of scientists developing predictive models of geomagnetic conditions. Understanding the changing morphology of the SAA is crucial for ensuring the safety of current and future satellites. As the anomaly evolves, continuous monitoring and adaptation in satellite operations are necessary to mitigate potential disruptions. These developments underscore the importance of ongoing research and international collaboration to address the challenges posed by the SAA. 'These Creatures Could Rewrite the Rules of Life': Deep-Sea Microbes on Earth Mirror What May Be Thriving Beneath Europa's Ice Anticipating the Invisible To enhance understanding and predictions of the South Atlantic Anomaly, NASA combines satellite data with simulations of Earth's core dynamics. These inputs contribute to global models like the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which track the evolution of Earth's magnetic field. These models are essential for planning space missions and gaining insights into the planet's internal structure. While the current evolution of the SAA is unprecedented in the space era, geological records suggest that such anomalies are not exceptional over long timescales. Importantly, scientists assert that the current SAA is not an early indicator of a magnetic pole reversal, a natural phenomenon occurring over hundreds of thousands of years. Studying the SAA remains a vital research area, crucial for protecting orbiting technologies and deepening our understanding of Earth's magnetic dynamics. As the South Atlantic Anomaly continues to evolve, it poses intriguing questions about the future of Earth's magnetic dynamics and the potential impact on our technological and scientific pursuits. How will ongoing changes in the SAA shape our understanding of Earth's magnetic field and influence our ability to safeguard space technology in the coming years? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Update: 10 States May See Aurora Borealis Wednesday
There may be an opportunity for some states in the northern U.S. to view the northern lights Wednesday night, and it's possible the phenomenon may become more visible, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. No geomagnetic storms or significant solar winds are forecast. Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images NOAA forecast a Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Wednesday, suggesting the northern lights might be more visible farther from the poles, including just south of the Canadian border. No geomagnetic storm conditions or 'significant' solar wind effects are expected over the next three days, including Wednesday night, according to NOAA's projections. Lesser auroral activity is expected Thursday and Friday, according to NOAA, with a maximum Kp index of about two forecast for either day. The northern lights will have a better chance of being seen throughout Canada and Alaska once the sun sets in the state. A lesser chance, marked by a curved 'view line,' is forecast in parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, upper Michigan and Maine. (See map below.) Wednesday's view line. NOAA NOAA recommends traveling to a north-facing, high vantage point away from light pollution sometime between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. What's The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights? If using a smartphone, NOAA suggests disabling flash, enabling night mode and relying on a tripod to stabilize the image. With a regular camera, photography experts told National Geographic it's best to use a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting to capture the northern lights. Key Background Activity on the sun's surface achieved a 'solar maximum' in late 2024, indicating the northern lights will be more visible through early 2026, according to NASA and NOAA. A 'solar maximum,' coinciding with a 'solar minimum,' occurs throughout the sun's 11-year cycle and marks a respective increase or decrease in solar events like coronal mass ejections or solar flares. These events are responsible for aurora borealis, as electrons collide with molecules of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere, causing them to become 'excited' before releasing energy in the form of colorful, swirling lights. Further Reading Forbes Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 By Ty Roush
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Update: 8 States May See Aurora Borealis Wednesday
There may be an opportunity for some states in the northern U.S. to view the northern lights Wednesday night, and it's possible the phenomenon may become more visible, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. No geomagnetic storms or significant solar winds are forecast. Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images The NOAA forecast a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Wednesday, suggesting the northern lights might be more visible farther from the poles, including just south of the Canadian border. No geomagnetic storm conditions or 'significant' solar wind effects are expected over the next three days, according to NOAA's projections, though the Kp index may rise to around four later Wednesday, meaning more states could have a chance to see the northern lights. Lesser auroral activity is expected Thursday and Friday, according to the NOAA, with a maximum Kp index of about two forecast for either day. The northern lights will have a better chance of being seen throughout Canada and Alaska once the sun sets in the state. A lesser chance, marked by a curved 'view line,' is forecast in parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. (See map below.) Wednesday's view line. NOAA NOAA recommends traveling to a north-facing, high vantage point away from light pollution sometime between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. What's The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights? If using a smartphone, NOAA suggests disabling flash, enabling night mode and relying on a tripod to stabilize the image. With a regular camera, photography experts told National Geographic it's best to use a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting to capture the northern lights. Key Background Activity on the sun's surface achieved a 'solar maximum' in late 2024, indicating the northern lights will be more visible through early 2026, according to NASA and NOAA. A 'solar maximum,' coinciding with a 'solar minimum,' occurs throughout the sun's 11-year cycle and marks a respective increase or decrease in solar events like coronal mass ejections or solar flares. These events are responsible for aurora borealis, as electrons collide with molecules of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere, causing them to become 'excited' before releasing energy in the form of colorful, swirling lights. Further Reading Forbes Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 By Ty Roush
Sustainability Times
07-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Heard the Planet Scream': Scientists Release Haunting Audio of Earth's Magnetic Field Flipping—and It's Pure Nightmare Fuel
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Scientists have transformed data from the Swarm mission into sound, allowing us to audibly experience Earth's ancient magnetic reversal . . 🌐 Earth's magnetic field is generated by swirling liquid metals in the core, creating a protective shield against solar and cosmic radiation. is generated by swirling liquid metals in the core, creating a protective shield against solar and cosmic radiation. 📉 The Laschamps event saw the magnetic field weaken to 5% of its current strength, increasing cosmic ray exposure and impacting the ozone layer . . 🔄 Recent magnetic anomalies such as the South Atlantic Anomaly highlight the need for ongoing research to predict future geomagnetic shifts. Earth's magnetic field, a colossal invisible force, protects our planet from the harshness of space by deflecting solar winds and cosmic radiation. But imagine a world where this protective shield flips, with the North Pole becoming the South. Such a dramatic event occurred around 41,000 years ago, known as the Laschamps event. Recent scientific endeavors have allowed us to experience this upheaval through sound, thanks to data from the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission. This audio representation, crafted by the Technical University of Denmark and the German Research Center for Geosciences, offers a haunting glimpse into Earth's ancient magnetic past. The Science Behind Earth's Magnetic Field Earth's magnetic field is generated by the swirling liquid metals in its core, primarily iron and nickel. This dynamo effect creates electric currents, which in turn produce magnetic fields that extend from the planet's core into space. The field reaches hundreds of thousands of miles outward, forming the magnetosphere, a critical shield against solar and cosmic radiation. As the planet rotates, these liquid metals move, causing changes in the magnetic field's orientation and strength. These fluctuations are crucial for navigation, wildlife migration, and even communication technologies. However, the magnetic field is not static. The magnetic poles, for instance, are constantly shifting. Recently, the North Pole has been moving away from Canada toward Siberia, a phenomenon that scientists closely monitor for its implications on navigation and climate. 'We Finally Found It': Scientists Reveal the Missing Half of the Universe's Matter Was Hiding in Plain Sight All Along The Laschamps Event: A Historical Magnetic Reversal The Laschamps event was a significant geomagnetic reversal that occurred approximately 41,000 years ago. During this event, Earth's magnetic field weakened to just 5 percent of its current strength. This allowed a surge of cosmic rays to penetrate our atmosphere, affecting everything from climate to life on Earth. Evidence of this event is found in the isotopic signatures preserved in ice and marine sediment layers, particularly the increased levels of beryllium-10. These isotopes form when cosmic rays collide with atmospheric particles, significantly altering the ozone layer and potentially contributing to the extinction of megafauna in regions like Australia. The Laschamps event lasted for about 250 years, with the field remaining in a reversed orientation for an additional 440 years before returning to its current state. 'Human Gene Makes Mice Speak': Scientists Alter Rodents With Language DNA and Trigger Startling Changes in Vocal Behavior Modern Implications and Research Advances Understanding past magnetic reversals is crucial for predicting future events and their impacts on our planet. Recent magnetic anomalies, such as the South Atlantic Anomaly, raise questions about potential future reversals. This anomaly has resulted in increased radiation levels in that region, affecting satellites and other technologies. Since 2013, the European Space Agency's Swarm constellation has been actively measuring Earth's magnetic signals from various sources, including the core, mantle, and crust. These measurements help scientists decode the dynamic nature of the geomagnetic field and prepare for any significant changes that might impact the environment and human technology. 'China Unleashes Invisible Firepower': Newly Revealed Stealth Missiles Could Radically Transform the Future of Modern Warfare Experiencing Earth's Magnetic Flip Through Sound In a groundbreaking collaboration, scientists have turned data from the Swarm mission into sound, allowing us to experience the Laschamps event audibly. By translating magnetic field line movements into natural sounds like creaking wood and crashing rocks, this project offers a unique sensory insight into a world-altering event. Such innovative approaches not only make science more accessible but also emphasize the importance of understanding Earth's magnetic history. These audio representations serve as a stark reminder of the planet's dynamic nature and the potential vulnerabilities we face in the future. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of Earth's magnetic field, we gain invaluable insights into our planet's past and future. The ability to experience historical events through sound transforms abstract scientific data into a tangible experience. With advancements in technology and research, what other natural phenomena might we soon be able to experience in such a profound way? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (30)
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights may be visible in these 10 US States tonight
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Unsettled geomagnetic activity triggered by high-speed solar winds could spark northern lights over parts of the U.S. tonight (June 26–27), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA SWPC). A colossal coronal hole on the sun has rotated to face Earth and is currently sending a stream of high-speed solar wind our way. As the solar wind slams into our planet's magnetic field, it disrupts geomagnetic conditions, which in turn can lead to geomagnetic storms and vivid auroras. Space weather forecasters from the U.K. Met Office and NOAA's SWPC predict there is a chance of minor (G1) geomagnetic storms tonight as geomagnetic activity remains mainly unsettled to active. That means there's a window of opportunity for aurora sightings at northern latitudes, weather and darkness permitting. Based on the latest NOAA forecast, we've listed 10 U.S. states that appear either fully or partially above the aurora view line — ordered from most likely to least likely to catch the lights, based on how much of each state lies within the auroral oval. Alaska Montana North Dakota Minnesota South Dakota Michigan (Upper Peninsula) Wisconsin Maine Idaho Washington Remember, auroras can be fickle. Sometimes they can appear much farther south than predicted, and other times they barely show up at all. There are many conditions that have to align for the perfect show. It is possible that many more states could witness auroras tonight, or perhaps far fewer will. Aurora alerts Keep up with the latest forecasts and geomagnetic storm warnings with our aurora forecast live blog. If you're in one of the states listed above, your best bet is to head to a north-facing location, far away from city lights. With summer daylight hanging on late, around 1 a.m. local time is typically your best shot. Try using your smartphone camera to scan the sky — it often picks up faint auroras your eyes might miss. Once your camera catches a hint of green or purple, focus your attention there. That said, don't forget to glance around — auroras can pop up in front, behind, or right overhead. If you want to make sure you're all clued up on when to look for auroras, download a space weather app that provides forecasts based on your location. One option I use is "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts," available for both iOS and Android. However, any similar app should work well. I also use the "Space Weather Live" app, which is available on iOS and Android, to get a deeper understanding of whether the current space weather conditions are favorable for aurora sightings.
