A team led by scientists in China, the US, and Sweden has discovered electromagnetic waves, known as “chorus waves,” for the first time far from Earth. These waves were detected 165,000 km (100,000 miles) away, three times farther than any previous observation. The findings raise concerns about spacecraft safety and astronauts’ health due to the high-energy electrons they emit, which can damage satellites costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The research challenges existing theories about how these waves are generated and spread in space.
The study was published in the journal Nature by researchers from Beijing, the United States, and Sweden. Their work highlights new concerns for space exploration and travel, as understanding these phenomena is crucial for protecting astronauts and future space missions.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3296130/notes-concern-chorus-waves-found-china-led-study-sound-alarms-space-travel