Recent satellite observations have revealed the largest breach yet seen in the magnetic field that protects Earth from most of the Sun’s violent blasts, researchers reported. The discovery, made last summer by Themis — a fleet of five small NASA satellites, was reported by the experts on Tuesday. Scientists have long known that the Earth’s magnetic field, which guards against severe space weather, is similar to a drafty old house that sometimes lets in violent eruptions of charged particles from the Sun.
Such a breach can cause brilliant auroras or disrupt satellite and ground communications. Last summer, Themis calculated a layer of solar particles to be at least 4,000 miles thick in the outermost part of the Earth’s magnetosphere, the largest tear of the protective shield found so far. The Themis results could have bearing on how scientists predict the severity of solar storms and their effects on power grids, airline and military communications and satellite signals.
Such a breach can cause brilliant auroras or disrupt satellite and ground communications. Last summer, Themis calculated a layer of solar particles to be at least 4,000 miles thick in the outermost part of the Earth’s magnetosphere, the largest tear of the protective shield found so far. The Themis results could have bearing on how scientists predict the severity of solar storms and their effects on power grids, airline and military communications and satellite signals.
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