The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, have captivated people worldwide with their vibrant colors and mesmerizing movement. Scientists believe that charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere are responsible for this phenomenon.
A recent study led by Professor Peter Delamere of the University of Alaska Fairbanks used NASA’s KiNET-X experiment to explore the particle-level processes behind the aurora. The team launched a sounding rocket on May 16, 2021, which released barium thermite to create conditions similar to those seen in natural auroras.
The experiment aimed to understand how low-energy particles from the solar wind gain energy to power the swirling curtains of light. By generating an Alfvén wave and accelerating electrons, the researchers discovered that a small dose of carefully placed energy can trigger large, complex interactions in plasma.
While the experiment did not produce visible displays of the Northern Lights, data analysis revealed a beam of electrons moving along the planet’s magnetic field line. This finding provides a key indicator for studying the invisible steps between solar particles and auroral light.
The KiNET-X study has helped clarify the link between solar particles, magnetic fields, and electron acceleration. Researchers can now use past experiments in new ways, comparing data sets to see how electrons behave under similar conditions. Future missions like KiNET-X aim to capture more details about electron acceleration and fill gaps in our understanding of the Northern Lights.
The success of KiNET-X relied on a diverse team of researchers and students, including those from Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire, and Clemson University. The study is published in Physics of Plasmas.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/kinetx-rocket-experiment-how-are-auroras-made-closer-look-at-northern-lights