An Explanation for Earth's Aurora: "Surfing" Electrons
Scientists have solved another piece of puzzling mystery surrounding one of the breathtaking natural phenomena. The glistening and wind-like lights that are observed by people in the Antarctic or Arctic circles had confused scientists for many years. The origin of such a magical light was a perplexing mystery for many years. However, it seems that the mystery has now finally been unraveled.
According to a recent revelation, scientists have attributed the cause of “Auroras” lights to something called “surfing electrons.” The recent discovery alludes to the fact that surfing electrons provide the prerequisite energy that is needed for the phenomena to exist.
Very well-known natural phenomena occurring in the Northern Hemisphere known as “aurora borealis” along with its counterpart known as “aurora australis” have baffled scientists since the dawn of intelligence. The natural lights are breathtaking sights and wonder for curiosity. They resemble the closest thing we can associate with space weather here on earth. Scientists have always believed that they are most probably caused by the activity of the sun’s surface and its interaction with the earth’s surface.
What Charges Electrons Up to 45 Miles Per Hour?
Though scientists have found the mystery behind the fuel for the phenomena, the mystery itself was scientifically explained years ago. It was revealed that when solar wind reaches the surface of the earth, i.e., the ionosphere, a chain reaction occurs between the excited electrons (after they pass through the magnetic fields of the earth) and molecules of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The reaction then causes the electrons to move up towards the excited state. And, only when these electrons cool down, the dissipated energy causes this breathtaking phenomenon of lights.
However, what confused scientists were the fact that how come these electrons get charged up to 45 million miles per hour. The scientists believed that there has to be some sort of fuel that keeps the charges of the electrons up while reaching the ionosphere to sustain the lights.
Now, as it turns, a group of researchers representing the University of Iowa has discovered the answer. The details of their work have been published in the journal called “Natural Communications,” and you can have a look right now.
Apparently, the finding of the University of Iowa also points towards the fact there is a piece of definite evidence that electrons do interact with waves. And especially with Alfven waves, which are relevant to “auroras,” as they propagate along the magnetic field lines.
The scientists used a large plasma device to simulate the conditions of the magnetosphere, and they used the pieces of equipment of UCLA to achieve the objective.
Gregory Howes, who is an associate professor at the University of Iowa, and well-involved the experiment, released a statement to expound on the findings. He said that they did measurements after creating the simulation and launching the Alfven waves and found evidence of “resonant acceleration.” He revealed that when charged electrons interact with Alfven waves, they perform “resonant acceleration. He revealed that the behavior of electrons is almost similar to a surfer as he interacts with the wave and then accelerates along with the wave.
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The auroras of northern and southern hemispheres are well-understood except for the cause of resonant acceleration. Now, “surfing” electrons provide an explanation.
