Electrons energized and trapped at Mars were thought to lose energy inside the planet’s magnetosheath, but new research suggests a different explanation of spacecraft data.
plasmas
Human-made Emissions Modify Electron Space Environment
Very Low Frequency transmitters used for communications with submarines modify the dynamics of energetic electrons in the inner radiation belt and the slot region.
Holistic Views of the Nighttime Ionosphere
The nightside ionosphere, at latitudes away from the auroral zone, should have very little charged particle density, but it doesn’t. A new comprehensive study of satellite data explains why.
Red and Green Aurora Stop and Go for Different Reasons
Green-line arc is found to be embedded within large-scale upward field aligned currents while red-line-only arc is found to be associated with low-energy precipitation bursts.
Plasma Density Distribution in Mercury’s Magnetosphere
A new measurement of plasma density distribution in Mercury’s magnetosphere obtained from observations of field line resonance events provides necessary constraint for many planetary science issues.
New Plasma Wave Observations from Earth’s Magnetosphere
The first simultaneous observations of multiple electromagnetic wave types in Earth’s magnetosphere may inaugurate a new field of inquiry into cross-frequency wave interactions.
Jupiter’s Stressed Out Magnetosphere Causes Aurora and Heating
Force imbalance between Jupiter’s ionosphere and magnetosphere leads to wave generation to release this stress, but the waves also accelerate particles, causing aurora and heating.
Plasma Activity Around Sunspots May Foreshadow Solar Storms
A new study identifies possible precursors to space weather in the regions encircling sunspots.
A New Angle on the Earth’s Radiation Belts
A new empirical model of energetic electrons from Van Allen Probes data includes pitch angle analysis, revealing insights about radiation belt energization and loss processes.
Understanding the Effects of Anthropogenic Space Weather
A large plasma hole generated by the vertical launch of the Formosat-5 satellite created temporary navigating and positioning errors of up to 1 meter, according to a new study.