Distinctive plasma ripples are thought to play a big role in electron loss from Earth’s radiation belts, but a new study suggests a more limited influence.
radiation
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How the 2024 Solar Superstorm Drained Earth’s Radiation Belt
Researchers dig into storm processes linked to dramatic electron loss from the outer Van Allen belt.
Posted inNews
Moon Mission Data Reveal Unexpected Cosmic Ray “Shadow”
A particle detector on the Chang’e-4 lunar lander showed a surprising zone of reduced radiation stretching out from Earth at a strange angle, with potential implications for future astronauts.
Posted inNews
Solar Flare Spotlights the Martian Ionosphere
A “lucky” linkup between orbiters helped scientists study how the Red Planet’s ionosphere responds to solar events.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Using Lightning-Induced Precipitation to Estimate Electron Belt Decay Times
A long-term study of MeV electron burst events detected in the inner radiation belt and slot region was used to determine the electron belt decay times.
Posted inNews
A Weak Spot in Earth’s Magnetic Field Is Going from Bad to Worse
This could be bad news for satellites and spacefarers.
Posted inNews
Space Radiation Can Produce Some Organic Molecules Detected on Icy Moons
As missions prepare to visit ocean worlds like Enceladus and Europa, new findings show scientists must first learn to distinguish between radiation-made organics and those born in a subsurface sea.
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 inScience Updates
Two Neutron-Monitoring Networks Are Better Than One
Hydrologists, atmospheric scientists, and space scientists are teaming up to keep a closer eye on soil moisture, hazardous space weather, and more.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Characterizing the Space Between Clouds and Clear Sky
The area near clouds is often classified as ‘clear sky’, but a new study demonstrates the potential biases of misclassifying these transition zones and their significance for Earth’s energy budget.