Space Weather Fallout: Plasma Waves In Earth's Atmosphere
Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - 17:30
in Astronomy & Space
A new study shows that plasma waves buffeting the planet's radiation belts are responsible for scattering charged particles into the atmosphere, creating the most detailed analysis so far of the link between these waves and the fallout of electrons from the planet's radiation belts. The belts are impacted by fluctuations in "space weather" caused by solar activity that can disrupt GPS satellites, communication systems, power grids and manned space exploration. read more