Have you ever thought that the Earth could be surrounded by an invisible electric field? A fascinating idea, almost science fiction, but today we can say it with certainty: it really exists. A team international conference of scientists NASA and other institutions has finally confirmed the existence of a weak electric field surrounding our planet, a theory first hypothesized decades ago.
A discovery awaited for decades
In 1960, scientists they had noticed something strange: some charged particles, defined as “polar wind”, they were coming expelled from the atmosphere terrestrial. These particlesdespite traveling at supersonic speeds, were unusually cold, leaving researchers puzzled. Thus was born the idea that something must be drawing them out from the atmospherebut the technology at the time did not allow it to be demonstrated.
Now, thanks to the mission Endurance from the NASAlaunched in May 2022, the situation has changed. A suborbital rocket, reaching an altitude of 477 miles, has finally measured the small variations in the electric field, confirming the existence of what is called ambipolar electric field. But why is this discovery so important?
An electric field that shapes our planet
The electric field ambipolar may have played a fundamental role in the evolution of the Earth and in the formation of its atmosphere. This field, although weak – “half a volt, little more than a watch battery”, as he explained Glyn Collinsonthe mission’s principal investigator – is enough to explain the phenomenon of the polar wind.
Have you ever wondered? How might these electric fields affect other planets? Scientists suggest that even planets like Venus And Mars could be surrounded by similar fields. This could mean that any planet with an atmosphere has an ambipolar electric field, a key element that could have modeled the history of these worlds.
A new look at the universe
This discovery is not limited to ours Earth. The implications they could extend far beyond our solar system. Knowing that they exist fields similar electrics on other planets may help us in the search for habitable worlds, providing a new tool for comprehend planetary atmospheres are better.
Suzie Imberco-author of the study and space physics at the University of Leicesterhas underlined how the mission was a unique opportunity: “Svalbard is the only place in the world where you can fly through the polar wind and make the measurements you need we had need.” The team found that charged particles are launched into space at supersonic speeds, pushed by a force ten times stronger than gravity.
What does all this mean?
The discovery of the ambipolar electric field not only confirms a long-standing hypothesis, but opens the door to new research that could revolutionize our comprehension of the planet and the universe. And youyou are curious to know how this discovery could be change the way Let’s explore the space?
Stay with us on iCrewPlay for more Insights and find out how the science continues to reveal the hidden secrets of our universe. Don’t miss out the next discoveries that could change our future.
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