NASA Captures Eerie “Birdsongs” in Space, 100,000 KM Away – The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel
Far beyond Earth, something is singing in space. Scientists have detected unexpected electromagnetic waves, producing eerie sounds that shouldn’t exist in this region. This discovery challenges existing theories and reveals unseen forces at work. Scientists have detected an unexpected electromagnetic phenomenon in space: “chorus waves”, a type of wave that, when converted into audio, produces a sound eerily similar to birdsong. This discovery, made over 100,000 kilometers from Earth, challenges existing theories about their formation and could revolutionize space weather forecasting.Chorus waves are electromagnetic oscillations that travel along Earth’s magnetic field lines. When translated into sound, they produce a high-pitched trilling, resembling a chorus of birds. But beyond their strange musicality, these waves play a crucial role in the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles in space.They also influence Earth’s radiation belts, which act as a shield against solar storms but can also generate high-energy electrons, sometimes called “killer electrons.” These charged particles pose a major threat to satellites and spacecraft, capable of causing severe damage or system failures.Until now, chorus waves had been detected at around 51,000 kilometers from Earth. However, a new study led by Beihang University in China, using NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) satellites, has revealed their presence at over 100,000 kilometers—a region where their formation was considered highly unlikely.Launched in 2015, the MMS satellites specialize in studying distorted regions of Earth’s magnetic field, particularly in the magnetotail—the elongated portion of the magnetosphere that extends away from the Sun. Thanks to their advanced instruments, these satellites captured chorus waves in remarkable detail, expanding our understanding of space plasma dynamics.This discovery could transform space weather forecasting. By studying chorus waves in unexpected regions, scientists hope to better predict their impact on Earth’s infrastructure, including satellites, GPS systems, and communication networks.Chorus waves have also been observed near Jupiter and Saturn, suggesting that they might exist in other magnetized regions of the cosmos. This raises new questions about plasma physics across the solar system and could help protect future space missions from radiation hazards.Killer electrons are high-energy particles that can damage or destroy satellites and spacecraft. Accelerated by chorus waves, these electrons can reach speeds capable of disrupting or crippling onboard electronics.They are mainly found in Earth’s radiation belts, which, while shielding the planet from solar radiation, also create hazardous conditions for human-made technology in space.By revealing previously unknown mechanisms behind chorus waves, this study challenges existing models and highlights the importance of cutting-edge space technology. The MMS satellites continue to push the boundaries of what we know about Earth’s magnetic environment—and possibly beyond.This finding is not just an academic breakthrough; it could directly impact future space missions, including crewed expeditions to Mars and beyond. Understanding how space weather affects spacecraft and astronauts is critical for ensuring the safety of long-duration missions.Source: NatureGot a reaction? Share your thoughts in the commentsEnjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/02/nasa-captures-eerie-birdsongs-in-space-100000-km-away/
