Earth’s atmosphere holds key to large storms impacting satellite comms

An international research team led by Nagoya University and the University of New Hampshire unveils the critical role of Earth’s atmosphere in geomagnetic storms and their consequences

Geomagnetic storms, tied to solar activities, occur when charged particles from the Sun’s outer layer, forming the solar wind, interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, affecting space weather and technological systems.

The significance of the Earth’s atmosphere in geomagnetic storms

The magnetotail, an essential part of Earth’s magnetosphere, houses the plasma sheet filled with charged particles. This region is the source of currents that trigger geomagnetic storms.

Unraveling the plasma source mystery

A global team led by Lynn Kistler and Yoshizumi Miyoshi of Nagoya University and Tomoaki Hori examined a major geomagnetic storm in 2017. They analysed data from multiple space missions and identified changes in the near-Earth plasma sheet.

During the storm’s main phase, the plasma source shifted from solar wind-dominated to ionosphere-dominated, showcasing the Earth’s ionospheric plasma’s role in geomagnetic storm development.

Implications for satellite communications

The research highlights the significance of Earth’s ionospheric plasma in driving geomagnetic storms. The properties of the plasma sheet, including density, particle energy distribution, and composition, play a crucial role in storm development.

Nagoya University, with a rich history of 150 years and numerous scientific achievements, and the University of New Hampshire, a renowned institution focusing on innovation, continue to make significant contributions to scientific understanding and technological advancements.

By uncovering the transition from solar-dominated to ionosphere-dominated plasma during storms, the study underscores the Earth’s direct influence on space weather, satellite communications, and power grids.

These findings open doors to more accurate storm prediction and preparedness, ultimately safeguarding critical technological systems and enhancing our understanding of the intricate interplay between our planet and the Sun.

The collaborative efforts of these institutions continue to pioneer discoveries that advance our knowledge of the universe.