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Physicists Describe a New Type of Aurora
Auroras, also known as Northern or Southern Lights, are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that occur in the Earth's atmosphere. Recently, physicists have discovered a new type of aurora that is different from the traditional ones. In this article, we will discuss this new type of aurora and its characteristics.
What is an Aurora?
Before we dive into the new type of aurora, let's first understand what an aurora is. An aurora is a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth. It is caused by the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, they emit light, creating a beautiful display of colors in the sky.
Traditional Auroras
Traditional auroras are classified into two types: Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). These auroras are usually seen as green or pink curtains of light that dance across the sky. They occur at high latitudes, close to the Earth's magnetic poles.
The New Type of Aurora
Recently, physicists have discovered a new type of aurora that is different from traditional ones. This new type of aurora is called "STEVE," which stands for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement. STEVE was first observed by citizen scientists who noticed a purple and white ribbon of light in the sky.
Characteristics of STEVE
Unlike traditional auroras, STEVE appears as a narrow ribbon of light that is purple or white in color. It is located at lower latitudes than traditional auroras and can be seen closer to the equator. STEVE also has a different formation mechanism than traditional auroras.
Formation Mechanism
Traditional auroras are formed when charged particles from the Sun collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere. These collisions create a chain reaction that results in the emission of light. However, STEVE is formed by a different mechanism. It is caused by a flow of charged particles in the Earth's ionosphere, which creates a strong electric field that accelerates electrons to high energies. These high-energy electrons collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, creating the ribbon of light that we see as STEVE.
Importance of Studying STEVE
The discovery of STEVE has opened up new avenues for research in the field of space physics. By studying STEVE, scientists can gain a better understanding of the Earth's ionosphere and its interaction with charged particles from the Sun. This knowledge can help us better predict space weather and its effects on our technology and infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physicists have discovered a new type of aurora called STEVE, which is different from traditional auroras. STEVE appears as a narrow ribbon of light that is purple or white in color and is located at lower latitudes than traditional auroras. It is formed by a flow of charged particles in the Earth's ionosphere and has opened up new avenues for research in space physics.
FAQs
1. Can STEVE be seen with the naked eye?
Yes, STEVE can be seen with the naked eye under certain conditions.
2. Is STEVE harmful to humans?
No, STEVE is not harmful to humans.
3. How often does STEVE occur?
STEVE occurs sporadically and is not as frequent as traditional auroras.
4. Can we predict when STEVE will occur?
Currently, there is no reliable way to predict when STEVE will occur.
5. What other natural phenomena are caused by charged particles from the Sun?
Charged particles from the Sun can also cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can have an impact on our technology and infrastructure.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.