In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, scientists have discovered that chorus waves, previously believed to originate only close to planetary magnetic fields, can occur as far as 160,000 kilometers from Earth. This finding contradicts the longstanding belief that a dipolar magnetic field is essential for generating these waves. Chorus waves have implications for radiation exposure in space, impacting the safety of astronauts and satellites. Understanding how these waves are generated can enhance our ability to predict their occurrence and implement protective measures against their potentially harmful effects.
The discovery of chorus waves originating far from Earth reveals a fundamental mechanism for their generation, challenging decades of belief that they can only occur close to planets.
Scientists observed these intense waves not just on Earth, but also on Saturn and Jupiter, raising new questions about cosmic wave propagation in space.
Collection
[
|
...
]