New observations and models show a connection between high-latitude waves in the Sun’s interior and the different rates of spin between the solar equator and poles.
plasmas
Posted inEditors' Vox
Exploring Alfvén Waves Across Space—and Disciplines
A new book presents an interdisciplinary review of Alfvén wave research, sharing the latest insights from the solar, planetary, and terrestrial sciences.
Posted inNews
Magnetic Tangles Drive Solar Wind
Energetic collisions between magnetic fields produce gusty solar wind.
Posted inNews
Eavesdropping on the Vibrations of Earth’s Magnetic Bubble
A NASA-funded crowdsourced science project has converted the unheard sounds resonating inside Earth’s magnetic shield into audible tracks, revealing an orchestra of whistles, wooshes, and chirps.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Wind Shear Instabilities Emit Gravity Waves
A new study shows that atmospheric gravity waves can be generated by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in the wind shear layer.
Posted inNews
Tides Ripple Across Earth’s Plasma “Donut”
Interactions between lunar gravity and the terrestrial magnetic field may cause a 90° offset from the Moon’s position in its orbit.
Posted inNews
How to Bend Lightning with a Laser Beam
For the first time, scientists have redirected lightning using a laser beam. And that’s just the start of what’s possible.
Posted inEditors' Vox
The International Reference Ionosphere – A Model Ionosphere
An accurate and reliable description of Earth’s ionosphere is of critical importance because of our increased reliance on satellite technology and the significant impact the ionosphere has on it.
Posted inFeatures
Space Raindrops Splashing on Earth’s Magnetic Umbrella
Though not as damaging as extreme space weather events, showers of plasma jets hit Earth’s magnetic shield every day—yet we’re only beginning to understand their effects.
Posted inFeatures
Shake, Rattle, and Probe
Helioseismology allows scientists to study the interior of the Sun, solve some basic physics mysteries, and forecast space weather.