For the first time, NASA scientists have discovered an invisible energy field surrounding the Earth, pushing part of the atmosphere into space.
This invisible energy field, called a dipole electric field, was detected by NASA's Endurance suborbital rocket.
The dipole electric field was hypothesized by scientists 60 years ago and is believed to play a key role for the Earth, similar to the magnetic field and gravity.
Scientists hope that studying dipole electric fields will help them better understand how planetary atmospheres evolve and function. The team published their findings in the journal Nature on August 28.
Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun interacts with atoms in a layer of Earth’s atmosphere called the ionosphere (located 60–300 km above the ground), causing them to lose electrons and turn into ions. In theory, this process creates a weak electric field around the planet, which exists in the form of a “polar wind,” or stream of particles that pours from Earth’s atmosphere into space.
Clues to the existence of such electric fields were first detected in 1968 by spacecraft orbiting the South Pole and the North Pole.
Researchers predict that some of Earth's atmosphere is lost to space, especially after it is heated by sunlight.
But polar winds contain cold particles that are not heated, yet still move at speeds that break the sound barrier. So something must be sucking these particles out of the atmosphere.
Researchers launched the Endurance rocket from the launch site in Svalbard near the North Pole to investigate the origins of polar winds. The rocket reached an altitude of 768.03 km above the ground before landing in the Greenland Sea 19 minutes later.
The data Endurance collected over a 318-mile range showed a voltage change of 0.55 volts, about the strength of a watch battery. This voltage difference pushes hydrogen ions, the most abundant particles in the solar wind, with a force 10.6 times stronger than gravity, strong enough to propel atmospheric particles into space at hypersonic speeds. It’s like a conveyor belt that lifts the atmosphere into space.
Long-distance travel can involve heavy traffic, changing weather conditions, and rider fatigue. If you are also dealing with the responsibilities of moving home, such as packing belongings or coordinating accommodation, a long ride may add unnecessary pressure to an already busy schedule.
Tired of Microsoft Teams shortcut error preventing you from opening the app? Follow our expert, step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for instant resolution. Works on Windows, Mac & web – no tech skills needed!
Tired of Microsoft Teams Task Management Sync Error halting your workflow? Follow our proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve sync issues fast and restore seamless task collaboration. No tech expertise needed!
Struggling with Microsoft Teams Wiki Error Formatting? This step-by-step guide reveals proven fixes for common wiki tab issues, ensuring smooth editing and collaboration in Teams. Get back to productive wikis fast!
Struggling with Microsoft Teams installation error on Linux? Discover step-by-step fixes for Ubuntu, Fedora & more. Resolve dependency issues, crashes, and errors quickly with our ultimate guide. Get Teams running smoothly today!
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Error Page" not loading? Get step-by-step fixes for desktop, web, and mobile. Solve Microsoft Teams Error Page issues quickly and resume seamless teamwork today.
Tired of Microsoft Teams "Error Screenshot" blocking your workflow? Get proven, step-by-step solutions to resolve screenshot errors in Teams instantly and boost productivity. No tech skills needed!
Tired of Microsoft Teams "Error U" User blocking your chats? Get proven, step-by-step fixes to clear cache, reset, and restore seamless collaboration instantly.
Unlock the precise locations of Microsoft Teams registry keys on Windows 11. Step-by-step guide to find, access, and safely tweak them for optimal performance and troubleshooting. Essential for IT pros and Teams enthusiasts.
Tired of Microsoft Teams "Training Error" Video Lag ruining your meetings? Follow our step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for smooth video calls—no more frustration!
