<p>We know what are auroras. They are the beautiful dance of colours seen in the night sky at higher latitudes in the Northern hemisphere (Aurora borealis) or Southern hemisphere (Aurora australis).</p>

<p>Now we may think that the phenomenon of aurora occurs only on Earth. But auroras have been detected on other planets in the solar system as well.</p>

<p>In case of Earth, auroras are formed when solar wind (stream of charged particles of the Sun) interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The solar particles then travel along the magnetic lines and then interact with upper atmosphere of the Earth. It is then the mesmerising dance of colours is seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Magnetic field of the Earth plays a large part in formation of auroras.</p>

<p>Scientists now know how Mars, a planet without a magnetic field of its own is able to form auroras.</p>

<p>Mars did have a magnetic field. But it decayed very early in its life. So how are martian auroras formed after all?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists say that there are regions of localised magnetic field still present on Mars, particularly in the southern hemisphere. These localised magnetic fields help in the formation of martian auroras.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/want-to-hear-mysterious-ghostly-sound-aurora-borealis-makes-check-it-out-here-479811">Want to hear mysterious, ghostly sound aurora borealis makes? Check it out here</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have the first detailed study looking at how solar wind conditions affect auroras on Mars," said physicist and astronomer Zachary Girazian of the University of Iowa. he was quoted by ScienceAlert.</p>

<p>"Our main finding is that inside the strong crustal field region, the aurora occurrence rate depends mostly on the orientation of the solar wind magnetic field, while outside the strong crustal field region, the occurrence rate depends mostly on the solar wind dynamic pressure."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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We know what are auroras. They are the beautiful dance of colours seen in the night sky at higher latitudes in the Northern hemisphere (Aurora borealis) or Southern hemisphere (Aurora australis).

We know what are auroras. They are the beautiful dance of colours seen in the night sky at higher latitudes in the Northern hemisphere (Aurora borealis) or Southern hemisphere (Aurora australis). Now we may think that the phenomenon of aurora occurs only on Earth. But auroras have been detected on other planets in the solar system as well. In case of Earth, auroras are formed when solar wind (stream of charged particles of the Sun) interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The solar particles then travel along the magnetic lines and then interact with upper atmosphere of the Earth. It is then the mesmerising dance of colours is seen. Magnetic field of the Earth plays a large part in formation of auroras. Scientists now know how Mars, a planet without a magnetic field of its own is able to form auroras. Mars did have a magnetic field. But it decayed very early in its life. So how are martian auroras formed after all? Scientists say that there are regions of localised magnetic field still present on Mars, particularly in the southern hemisphere. These localised magnetic fields help in the formation of martian auroras. Also Read | Want to hear mysterious, ghostly sound aurora borealis makes? Check it out here "We have the first detailed study looking at how solar wind conditions affect auroras on Mars," said physicist and astronomer Zachary Girazian of the University of Iowa. he was quoted by ScienceAlert. "Our main finding is that inside the strong crustal field region, the aurora occurrence rate depends mostly on the orientation of the solar wind magnetic field, while outside the strong crustal field region, the occurrence rate depends mostly on the solar wind dynamic pressure." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

There are auroras on Mars, and now we know why

<p>Aurora borealis is a beautiful dance of light across the sky. If you want to observe this brilliant natural wonder, you have to go to countries near the North Pole, Scandinavian countries preferably.</p>

<p>But do you know that as the aurora dances across the sky it produces a ghostly sound. An investigation into this suggests that this eerie sound is produced even aurora isn't visible in the sky.</p>

<p>This sound associated with the aurora has been mentioned in regional folktales and accounts shared by the local population.</p>

<p>Unto Laine, ac acoustics engineer from Alto University in Finland has been able to record these ghostly sounds. At EUROREGIO/BNAM2022 Joint Acoustics Conference in Denmark, Laine presented his findings.</p>

<p>"This cancels the argument that auroral sounds are extremely rare and that the aurora borealis should be exceptionally bright and lively," Laine says.</p>

<p>These sounds are apparently produced even when aurora isn't visible.</p>

<p>Listen to the mysterious, eerie sound of the aurora borealis</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers have also identified where exactly these sounds come from in the atmosphere. It was found that these sounds are produced at the altitude of about 70 to 100 metres. Such a low altitude has surprised scientists since aurora results from interaction of solar particles with Earth's magnetic field very high up.</p>

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Aurora borealis is a beautiful dance of light across the sky. If you want to observe this brilliant natural wonder, you have to go to countries near the North Pole, Scandinavian countries preferably.

Aurora borealis is a beautiful dance of light across the sky. If you want to observe this brilliant natural wonder, you have to go to countries near the North Pole, Scandinavian countries preferably. But do you know that as the aurora dances across the sky it produces a ghostly sound. An investigation into this suggests that this eerie sound is produced even aurora isn't visible in the sky. This sound associated with the aurora has been mentioned in regional folktales and accounts shared by the local population. Unto Laine, ac acoustics engineer from Alto University in Finland has been able to record these ghostly sounds. At EUROREGIO/BNAM2022 Joint Acoustics Conference in Denmark, Laine presented his findings. "This cancels the argument that auroral sounds are extremely rare and that the aurora borealis should be exceptionally bright and lively," Laine says. These sounds are apparently produced even when aurora isn't visible. Listen to the mysterious, eerie sound of the aurora borealis × Researchers have also identified where exactly these sounds come from in the atmosphere. It was found that these sounds are produced at the altitude of about 70 to 100 metres. Such a low altitude has surprised scientists since aurora results from interaction of solar particles with Earth's magnetic field very high up. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Want to hear mysterious, ghostly sound aurora borealis makes? Check it out here

<p>You may have seen aurora&nbsp;in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it. But watching the mesmerising play of aurora from above it is a fortune only astronauts may have.</p>

<p>And in times of social media, it has become possible for them to share the wonderful experience with all of us. Thomas Pesquet, the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut has done just the same from his perch on International Space Station (ISS). He has posted a picture of aurora, not with sky in its background but Earth! This adds another one to what is a soothing play of colours.</p>

<p>In Pesquet's photo, the blue Earth appears bathed in colour green. The waves dance, rise up and reach the horizon where they change colour to red.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-image-of-hand-of-god-netizens-are-awestruck-416265">NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck</a></strong></p>

<p>"Another aurora but this one is special as it is so bright. It is the full Moon lighting up the shadow side of Earth almost like daylight." writes Pesquet in his post on Instagram.</p>

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<p>He hasn't mentioned exact location of the aurora or whether it was Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis (aurora visible in southern hemisphere). But such details don't matter while we look at the picture.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-super-huge-comet-is-hurtling-through-space-towards-solar-system-asteroids-black-hole-416501">A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system</a></strong></p>

<p>Aurora is formed due to interaction between solar particles and particles of Earth's atmosphere. When particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, they get channelled to the poles and there they interact with the atmosphere. The result? A soft dance of colours which is a sight to behold!</p>


You may have seen aurora in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it.

You may have seen aurora in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it. But watching the mesmerising play of aurora from above it is a fortune only astronauts may have. And in times of social media, it has become possible for them to share the wonderful experience with all of us. Thomas Pesquet, the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut has done just the same from his perch on International Space Station (ISS). He has posted a picture of aurora, not with sky in its background but Earth! This adds another one to what is a soothing play of colours. In Pesquet's photo, the blue Earth appears bathed in colour green. The waves dance, rise up and reach the horizon where they change colour to red. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck "Another aurora but this one is special as it is so bright. It is the full Moon lighting up the shadow side of Earth almost like daylight." writes Pesquet in his post on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro) × He hasn't mentioned exact location of the aurora or whether it was Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis (aurora visible in southern hemisphere). But such details don't matter while we look at the picture. Also Read | A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system Aurora is formed due to interaction between solar particles and particles of Earth's atmosphere. When particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, they get channelled to the poles and there they interact with the atmosphere. The result? A soft dance of colours which is a sight to behold!

Astronaut posts breathtaking photo of aurora taken from above Earth

<p>Aurora Borealis is an unforgettable experience for someone who has witnessed it. The free play of colours in the dark night sky is mesmerising to watch. Those who travel to Scandinavian countries do not miss the grand light-show of the nature.</p>

<p>But now it is being said by the scientists that Auroras cause depletion of Ozone layer. A group of scientists led by Prof. Yoshizumi Miyoshi from Nagoya University, Japan, has observed, analysed, and provided greater insight into this phenomenon. The findings are published in the journal Nature`s Scientific Reports</p>

<p>Prof Miyoshi and his team observed a moderate geomagnetic storm over the Scandinavian Peninsula in 2017.</p>

<p>Auroras are formed by interaction between solar electrons and Earth's magnetic field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, computer simulations using European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar data showed that these electrons immediately deplete the local ozone in the mesosphere (by more than 10%) upon hitting it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prof. Miyoshi explains, "Pulsating Aurorae occur almost daily, are spread over large areas, and last for hours. Therefore, the ozone depletion from these events could be significant.</p>

<p>"Speaking of the greater significance of these findings, Prof. Miyoshi continues: "This is only a case study. Further statistical studies are needed to confirm how much ozone destruction occurs in the middle atmosphere because of electron precipitation. After all, the impact of this phenomenon on the climate could potentially impact modern life."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Aurora Borealis is an unforgettable experience for someone who has witnessed it. The free play of colours in the dark night sky is mesmerising to watch. Those who travel to Scandinavian countries do not miss the grand light-show of the nature.

Aurora Borealis is an unforgettable experience for someone who has witnessed it. The free play of colours in the dark night sky is mesmerising to watch. Those who travel to Scandinavian countries do not miss the grand light-show of the nature. But now it is being said by the scientists that Auroras cause depletion of Ozone layer. A group of scientists led by Prof. Yoshizumi Miyoshi from Nagoya University, Japan, has observed, analysed, and provided greater insight into this phenomenon. The findings are published in the journal Nature`s Scientific Reports Prof Miyoshi and his team observed a moderate geomagnetic storm over the Scandinavian Peninsula in 2017. Auroras are formed by interaction between solar electrons and Earth's magnetic field. In fact, computer simulations using European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar data showed that these electrons immediately deplete the local ozone in the mesosphere (by more than 10%) upon hitting it. Prof. Miyoshi explains, "Pulsating Aurorae occur almost daily, are spread over large areas, and last for hours. Therefore, the ozone depletion from these events could be significant. "Speaking of the greater significance of these findings, Prof. Miyoshi continues: "This is only a case study. Further statistical studies are needed to confirm how much ozone destruction occurs in the middle atmosphere because of electron precipitation. After all, the impact of this phenomenon on the climate could potentially impact modern life." (With inputs from agencies)

The beautiful Aurora may be depleting the Ozone layer: Study

<p>Ever wondered what causes nature's light shows commonly known as auroras which illuminate the skies at Earth’s poles? Scientists may have finally found the answer. For long, it was well established that auroras were caused by solar storms but it wasn’t clear what processes led to the event… until now!</p>

<p>Essentially, auroras appear on Earth when bursts of radiation with charged particles from the Sun hit magnetic fields in the atmosphere.</p>

<p>Turns out, the whole process is driven by electrons. In a new research compiled over 20 years and published in Nature, scientists attempt to explain the cause of such solar outbursts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What do solar storms do?</strong></p>

<p>In many ways, solar storms bend the magnetic field of our planet. When that happens, the mesmerising auroras emerge. For long, scientists attributed this to Alfvén waves - which refers to what happens to magnetic fields after they’re struck by solar storms, but they were only able to prove it now.&nbsp;When the magnetic field is temporary disrupted, it attempts to go back to its original place, due to which electrons are accelerated in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These electrons are extremely excited to show off. And when they charge at the oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, what we witness is a mesmerising show in the skies called auroras.</p>

<p><img alt="Aurora" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d82c133d-b9f0-4119-adc1-b133bc5e2560" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%284%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p>Essentially, our magnetic field is like a rubber band which releases energy every time it is stretched. And what’s stretching it? Solar storms! And while it snaps back into its original shape, the electron-laden process kicks in, giving us a glimpse into the wonders of the universe.</p>

<p>In the North Pole, it’s called aurora borealis and in the South Pole, the magnificent feast in the sky is referred to as aurora australis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What did the scientists do to prove the role played by Alfvén waves?</strong></p>

<p>They simply created their own. According to the paper’s lead author James Schroeder, who is a physicist at the Wheaton College, such waves can be created by producing “disturbances in magnetized plasma”. To achieve this, they turned to the “Large Plasma Device” at the University of California in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>But producing an Alfvén wave isn’t easy and the device hadn’t been ever used for this purpose.&nbsp; But once scientists were able to create the waves, to everybody’s amazement the electrons achieved high energies propelled by the Alfvén waves. Essentially, the scientists found that they were right and auroras could be triggered in polar skies by solar storms coming in contact with the magnetic field with the assistance of Alfvén waves.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-has-a-heartbeat-and-nobody-knows-what-causes-it-392975" hreflang="en">Earth has a 'heartbeat' and nobody knows what causes it</a></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-scientists-discover-four-near-earth-asteroids-in-nasa-backed-research-programme-393060" hreflang="en">Indian scientists discover four near-Earth asteroids in NASA-backed research programme</a></p>


Ever wondered what causes nature's light shows commonly known as auroras which illuminate the skies at Earth’s poles? Scientists may have finally found the answer.

Ever wondered what causes nature's light shows commonly known as auroras which illuminate the skies at Earth’s poles? Scientists may have finally found the answer. For long, it was well established that auroras were caused by solar storms but it wasn’t clear what processes led to the event… until now! Essentially, auroras appear on Earth when bursts of radiation with charged particles from the Sun hit magnetic fields in the atmosphere. Turns out, the whole process is driven by electrons. In a new research compiled over 20 years and published in Nature, scientists attempt to explain the cause of such solar outbursts. What do solar storms do? In many ways, solar storms bend the magnetic field of our planet. When that happens, the mesmerising auroras emerge. For long, scientists attributed this to Alfvén waves - which refers to what happens to magnetic fields after they’re struck by solar storms, but they were only able to prove it now. When the magnetic field is temporary disrupted, it attempts to go back to its original place, due to which electrons are accelerated in the atmosphere. These electrons are extremely excited to show off. And when they charge at the oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, what we witness is a mesmerising show in the skies called auroras. Essentially, our magnetic field is like a rubber band which releases energy every time it is stretched. And what’s stretching it? Solar storms! And while it snaps back into its original shape, the electron-laden process kicks in, giving us a glimpse into the wonders of the universe. In the North Pole, it’s called aurora borealis and in the South Pole, the magnificent feast in the sky is referred to as aurora australis. What did the scientists do to prove the role played by Alfvén waves? They simply created their own. According to the paper’s lead author James Schroeder, who is a physicist at the Wheaton College, such waves can be created by producing “disturbances in magnetized plasma”. To achieve this, they turned to the “Large Plasma Device” at the University of California in Los Angeles. But producing an Alfvén wave isn’t easy and the device hadn’t been ever used for this purpose. But once scientists were able to create the waves, to everybody’s amazement the electrons achieved high energies propelled by the Alfvén waves. Essentially, the scientists found that they were right and auroras could be triggered in polar skies by solar storms coming in contact with the magnetic field with the assistance of Alfvén waves. Also read: Earth has a 'heartbeat' and nobody knows what causes it Also read: Indian scientists discover four near-Earth asteroids in NASA-backed research programme

We finally know what causes mesmerising auroras in polar night skies!

<p>Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.</p>

<p>The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm, at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois -- a small suburb 65 kilometres west of central Chicago.</p>

<p>Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman told a news conference, putting the death toll at five people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police did not release information on the officers' conditions or identify the victims.</p>

<p>Police said they do not know the motive for the shooting, but witnesses told local media that the gunman was a disgruntled employee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Witnesses said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds.</p>

<p>The aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex.</p>

<p>John Probst, who was in the building as the shooting began but was able to escape, told the local ABC TV affiliate he recognized the gunman as a co-worker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it," he said. "We were just scared."</p>

<p>Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, told the Daily Herald newspaper she and three others had heard numerous emergency sirens, and so "went and shut the front gate and locked all of the doors."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>37 mass shootings in 2019</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded police officers who "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House said President Donald Trump had been monitoring the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shooting comes just a day after the first anniversary of Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a former pupil killed 14 students and three staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 1,200 children lost their lives to gun violence in the year since and there have been 37 mass shootings -- those with at least four victims, not including the assailant -- recorded already in the US this year.</p>

<p>Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Friday's shooting was part of an epidemic of gun violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tomorrow, the families of the victims will be less than the whole. They join a group that should not exist, and yet continues to grow," Pritzker said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain."</p>

<p>A coalition of gun control advocacy groups also condemned the shooting, saying it was the 198th mass shooting in the last 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a horrifying reminder of how hard we have to work to prevent gun violence. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this shooting," Holly Blastic with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a presidential message Thursday to mark the Parkland anniversary, Trump had recommitted to "ensuring the safety of all Americans."</p>

<p>"Let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe," Trump said.&nbsp;</p>


Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States. The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm, at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois -- a small suburb 65 kilometres west of central Chicago. Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin. Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centres. "The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman told a news conference, putting the death toll at five people. Police did not release information on the officers' conditions or identify the victims. Police said they do not know the motive for the shooting, but witnesses told local media that the gunman was a disgruntled employee. Witnesses said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds. The aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex. John Probst, who was in the building as the shooting began but was able to escape, told the local ABC TV affiliate he recognized the gunman as a co-worker. "What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it," he said. "We were just scared." Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, told the Daily Herald newspaper she and three others had heard numerous emergency sirens, and so "went and shut the front gate and locked all of the doors." 37 mass shootings in 2019 The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded police officers who "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." The White House said President Donald Trump had been monitoring the situation. "Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!" Trump tweeted. The shooting comes just a day after the first anniversary of Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a former pupil killed 14 students and three staff. Nearly 1,200 children lost their lives to gun violence in the year since and there have been 37 mass shootings -- those with at least four victims, not including the assailant -- recorded already in the US this year. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Friday's shooting was part of an epidemic of gun violence. "Tomorrow, the families of the victims will be less than the whole. They join a group that should not exist, and yet continues to grow," Pritzker said. "There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain." A coalition of gun control advocacy groups also condemned the shooting, saying it was the 198th mass shooting in the last 10 years. "This is a horrifying reminder of how hard we have to work to prevent gun violence. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this shooting," Holly Blastic with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said in a statement. In a presidential message Thursday to mark the Parkland anniversary, Trump had recommitted to "ensuring the safety of all Americans." "Let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe," Trump said.

Five dead, multiple wounded in US mass shooting: Police

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-sends-first-picture-from-mars-surface-after-safe-landing-179824">NASA is set to launch a sounding rocket</a> to get a closer look at the how the Earth's atmosphere is slowly leaking into space.</p>

<p>Understanding atmospheric escape on Earth has applications all over the Universe from predicting which far-off planets might be habitable, to piecing together how Mars became the desolate, exposed landscape it is today, the US space agency said.</p>

<p>The VISIONS-2 mission, short for Visualizing Ion Outflow via Neutral Atom Sensing-2, is scheduled to launch no earlier than December 4.</p>

<p>A sounding rocket makes brief, targeted flights into space before falling back to Earth just a few minutes later.</p>

<p>Sounding rockets are unique among scientific spacecraft for their superior dexterity.</p>

<p>They can be carted to remote locations, where they are aimed and shot into short-lived events -- like the sudden formation of the aurora borealis -- at a moment's notice.</p>

<p>The aurora borealis is of keen interest to the VISIONS-2 team, but not just for its otherworldly glow.</p>

<p>The aurora play are fundamental drivers in the process of atmospheric escape, whereby planets, including Earth, gradually leak their atmosphere into space.</p>

<p>"The Earth is losing weight," said Thomas Moore, a NASA space physicist.</p>

<p>"There have been enough observations to know that anywhere from a hundred to several hundred tonnes of atmosphere are going into space every day," Moore said.</p>

<p>Moore estimates that at that rate, the Earth will retain its atmosphere for a billion or so years.</p>

<p>Scientists had long thought that oxygen, weighing in at 16 times the mass of hydrogen, was too heavy to escape Earth's gravity.</p>

<p>However, near-Earth space is teeming with much more Earth-borne oxygen than anyone had expected.</p>

<p>The aurora is formed when energetic electrons, accelerated in the electric and magnetic fields in near-Earth space, crash into and excite atmospheric gases, which emit bright hues of red, green, and yellow as they relax back to a lower energy state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These unruly electrons also create a cascade of havoc in the process, including driving electric currents that heat the upper atmosphere in splotchy patches.</p>

<p>In some cases, that heating is sufficient to give stray oxygen atoms enough energy to escape.</p>

<p>VISIONS-1, the current mission's precursor, launched from the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska in 2013, where they studied oxygen outflow from aurora that form on Earth's night side, the part of the planet that is temporarily pointed away from the Sun.</p>

<p>For the VISIONS-2 mission, the team will travel to Svalbard a remote archipelago off the northern coast of Norway where dayside aurora can be found.</p>

<p>VISIONS-2 is the first of nine sounding rockets launching over the next 14 months as part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, an international collaboration to explore the unusual portal between Earth and space.&nbsp;</p>


NASA is set to launch a sounding rocket to get a closer look at the how the Earth's atmosphere is slowly leaking into space. Understanding atmospheric escape on Earth has applications all over the Universe from predicting which far-off planets might be habitable, to piecing together how Mars became the desolate, exposed landscape it is today, the US space agency said.

NASA is set to launch a sounding rocket to get a closer look at the how the Earth's atmosphere is slowly leaking into space. Understanding atmospheric escape on Earth has applications all over the Universe from predicting which far-off planets might be habitable, to piecing together how Mars became the desolate, exposed landscape it is today, the US space agency said. The VISIONS-2 mission, short for Visualizing Ion Outflow via Neutral Atom Sensing-2, is scheduled to launch no earlier than December 4. A sounding rocket makes brief, targeted flights into space before falling back to Earth just a few minutes later. Sounding rockets are unique among scientific spacecraft for their superior dexterity. They can be carted to remote locations, where they are aimed and shot into short-lived events -- like the sudden formation of the aurora borealis -- at a moment's notice. The aurora borealis is of keen interest to the VISIONS-2 team, but not just for its otherworldly glow. The aurora play are fundamental drivers in the process of atmospheric escape, whereby planets, including Earth, gradually leak their atmosphere into space. "The Earth is losing weight," said Thomas Moore, a NASA space physicist. "There have been enough observations to know that anywhere from a hundred to several hundred tonnes of atmosphere are going into space every day," Moore said. Moore estimates that at that rate, the Earth will retain its atmosphere for a billion or so years. Scientists had long thought that oxygen, weighing in at 16 times the mass of hydrogen, was too heavy to escape Earth's gravity. However, near-Earth space is teeming with much more Earth-borne oxygen than anyone had expected. The aurora is formed when energetic electrons, accelerated in the electric and magnetic fields in near-Earth space, crash into and excite atmospheric gases, which emit bright hues of red, green, and yellow as they relax back to a lower energy state. These unruly electrons also create a cascade of havoc in the process, including driving electric currents that heat the upper atmosphere in splotchy patches. In some cases, that heating is sufficient to give stray oxygen atoms enough energy to escape. VISIONS-1, the current mission's precursor, launched from the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska in 2013, where they studied oxygen outflow from aurora that form on Earth's night side, the part of the planet that is temporarily pointed away from the Sun. For the VISIONS-2 mission, the team will travel to Svalbard a remote archipelago off the northern coast of Norway where dayside aurora can be found. VISIONS-2 is the first of nine sounding rockets launching over the next 14 months as part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, an international collaboration to explore the unusual portal between Earth and space.

Earth's atmosphere leaking, NASA to send rocket to get closer look

aurora

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