Scientists using NASA’s GOLD satellite have detected unexpected X-shaped and C-shaped structures forming in Earth’s ionosphere.
The ionosphere is the upper layer of the atmosphere that helps radio signals travel long distances. It usually forms crests along magnetic field lines.
Previously, X-shapes were only seen during solar storms or volcanic/weather events. But GOLD spotted them during “quiet” times with no obvious cause.
GOLD also detected rare C-shaped and reverse C-shaped plasma bubbles close together, which models suggest could be shaped by wind patterns.
The new findings suggest the ionosphere is more dynamic and complex than expected, influenced by lower atmospheric factors like winds and turbulence.
Understanding these alphabet structures could help predict disruptions to GPS and communications from the ionosphere. GOLD is providing new insights into the solar-atmospheric interactions.
The discoveries show more research is needed to fully understand formation mechanisms and impacts of such ionospheric disturbances, especially as space weather risks may increase with the solar cycle.
Source: CNN
