High-resolution optical observations of aurorae show fluctuations and structuring that could be explained by interactions between electrons and a plasma phenomenon called Alfvén waves.
aurorae
Posted inEditors' Vox
7 Decades of Books Leave a Lasting Legacy
Authors and Editors reflect on the lasting impacts of their books in honor of the AGU Books Program’s 70th anniversary.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Undulations in Auroral Arcs at Plasmaspheric Plume Boundary
Undulations in detached auroral arcs unveil intricate interactions between energetic ions and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves at plasmaspheric plume boundary.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Magnetic “Switchback” Detected near Earth for First Time
Until recently, this type of zigzag shape—formed by energetic rearrangement of magnetic field lines—had been seen only near the Sun.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Spacecraft Surveys Shed New Light on Auroral Kilometric Radiation
Observations show low-density space channels guide Auroral Kilometric Radiation, like wind through mountain tunnels, offering new insights into its occurrence and directionality.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A Solar Wind Squeeze May Have Strengthened Jovian Aurorae
Juno spacecraft data suggest an extreme compression of the planet’s magnetosphere in December 2022, caused by the solar wind, briefly brightened the ultraviolet light displays.
Posted inENGAGE, News
After 30-Year Search, Scientists Finally Find an Aurora on Neptune
The planet’s elusive aurorae are much colder than expected, which is how they evaded detection for so long.
Posted inNews
Watching a Solar Event from All Angles
A fleet of spacecraft captured unprecedented details of the major solar outbursts in May and June 2024.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Radar Reveals Electrical Activity in the Ionosphere
A new method could improve understanding of communication disruptions.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Unusual Occurrence of STEVE: An Aurora-Like Glow
STEVE is a mysterious purple-white arc near the aurora, typically seen after space disturbances called substorms. A new study reveals a rare STEVE event without a substorm, prompting questions about its origin.