Mysterious red auroras above Japan were found to extend to astonishingly high altitudes, researchers reported.
The auroras appeared even during relatively mild space weather conditions.
Red auroras occur when charged particles excite oxygen atoms at high altitudes in the atmosphere.
Standard green auroras typically form at lower elevations and are more commonly observed.
Scientists used ground-based and satellite instruments to measure the vertical extent of the displays.
The findings suggest auroral processes can reach farther into space than models predicted for quiet conditions.
Space weather driven by solar wind modulates auroral activity worldwide.
Japan’s latitude places it within the region where auroras appear during strong geomagnetic storms.
Researchers said mild conditions producing deep-reaching red auroras warrant revised understanding of particle precipitation.
Auroral research contributes to broader knowledge of how the upper atmosphere interacts with space plasmas.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/