'100,000 km deep in space': NASA detects eerie birdsong that could pose threats to satellites, spacecraft

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh AI Generated

Birdsong in space

[{"selector":"#anim-0432d64f-f136-4b42-bbd4-b2385decefc5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(1.2096774348894996%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Chorus waves, electromagnetic oscillations, sound like trilling birds when converted to audio, are puzzling scientists with their eerie music from space. Representative pic

Killer electrons

[{"selector":"#anim-628bd5c5-a677-4f30-be88-bc261de20a3e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.423589056176379%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Chorus waves accelerate “killer electrons” in Earth’s radiation belts, posing serious threats to satellites and spacecraft. Representative pic

Unexpected location

[{"selector":"#anim-b90dafb8-906d-4343-8bed-fca4c0f293d0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(23.913932871260197%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] NASA’s MMS satellites detected chorus waves over 100,000 km from Earth, doubling the known range of this phenomenon. Credit: NASA

Magnetic symphony

[{"selector":"#anim-ffd2c4c0-2b30-489b-8916-c6d09316672b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] These waves interact with Earth’s magnetic field, influencing plasma dynamics and space weather patterns. Representative pic

Space forecasting

[{"selector":"#anim-5ee0520e-d868-4ace-a4c5-25076e5a6758 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-32.92957848098507%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Scientists believe studying chorus waves could revolutionize space weather predictions and protect satellites. Credit: NASA

Cosmic connections

[{"selector":"#anim-8e0e96dc-ff19-40c7-b765-fa248a438f3d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Similar waves near Jupiter and Saturn suggest chorus waves exist across the solar system, hinting at universal plasma processes. Representative pic

Satellite shields

[{"selector":"#anim-daf31121-4538-4cc5-99fc-ba7034a7bb0d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(17.77784284958998%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Earth’s radiation belts shield us but create hazards for satellites as waves drive high-energy particles into their orbits. Representative pic

Tech breakthrough

[{"selector":"#anim-17267f4a-55b6-41d5-93f8-b8a1b1edd6b1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.61663642200692%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Advanced instruments on MMS satellites revealed new details about space plasma, challenging old theories. Credit: NASA

Mission safety

Insights from chorus waves could enhance spacecraft safety, vital for future Mars and deep-space missions.

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