• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
(Image credit: Westend61 via Getty Images)

What the White Glow in Aurora Borealis Reveals About Our Planet’s Atmosphere

January 14, 2025
A storm is pictured in the Arabian Sea less than 700 miles off the coast of Oman as the International Space Station orbited 260 miles above. NASA / Jasmin Moghbeli

Storm Warning: JWST Detects Violent Weather on Nearby Substars

May 7, 2025
Image captured by Juno during its 66th perijove, then further processed with color enhancement by Gerald Eichstädt and Thomas Thomopoulos. NASA / JPL / SwRI / MSSS / Gerald Eichstädt / Thomas Thomopoulos CC BY 3.0

Juno Strikes Gold: Uncovering Jupiter’s Monster Storms and Io’s Super Volcano

May 5, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
This artist's illustration shows a protoplanetary disk swirling around a young star. New research showing how a young star can send some material back into the disk helps explain an observational discrepancy. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle (SSC)

Stars Eat, Sleep, and Feed Their Planets: The New Truth Behind Cosmic Disks

May 5, 2025
Earth Junk.

Earth Is Hit by Space Debris Every Day—Infrasound Sensors Could Help Us Prepare

May 3, 2025
The distribution of dark matter (in blue) is overlayed on an image taken by Hyper Sprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope. Credit: HyeongHan et al.

A Tear in the Cosmos? The Dark Matter Link That No One Expected

May 3, 2025
This composite view of the active galaxy Markarian 573 combines X-ray data (blue) from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and radio observations (purple) from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico with a visible light image (gold) from the Hubble Space Telescope. Markarian 573 is an active galaxy that has two cones of emission streaming away from the supermassive black hole at its center. Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/A.Paggi et al; Optical: NASA/STScI; Radio: NSF/NRAO/VLA

What Happens When a Black Hole Fires a Cosmic Jet at Earth

May 1, 2025
Group 15, a nearby group viewed 1.5 billion light-years away, shows the mature form of galaxy associations in the present-day universe—observed as they were 12.3 billion years into cosmic time. Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Gozaliasl, A. Koekemoer, M. Franco, K. Virolainen.

JWST Uncovers 1,700 Galaxy Groups in Deepest-Ever Cosmic Map

April 30, 2025
A nearby dark molecular cloud in the Local Bubble revealed via H2 fluorescence

Scientists reveal Eos, a massive molecular cloud hidden near Earth

April 29, 2025
A celestial shadow known as the Circinus West molecular cloud creeps across this image taken with the Department of Energy-fabricated 570-megapixel Dark Energy Camera (DECam)—one of the most powerful digital cameras in the world. Within this stellar nursery's opaque boundaries, infant stars ignite from cold, dense gas and dust, while outflows hurtle leftover material into space. Credit: CTIO/NOIRLab/DOE/NSF/AURA Image Processing: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), D. de Martin & M. Kosari (NSF NOIRLab)

A Celestial Spell: Witness the Birth of Stars in Circinus West

April 28, 2025
A high-energy photonic jet (white and blue) blasts through a collapsar with a black hole at its center. The red space around the jet represents the cocoon where free neutrons may be captured causing the r process, the nucleosynthesis that results in the formation of heavy elements. Credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory

The Universe’s Secret Forge: How Collapsing Stars Could Make Cosmic Gold

April 28, 2025
artistic impression of the proposed Planet Nine in distant orbit of the Sun. (Credit : Tom Ruen)

Decades of Searching May Finally Pay Off: Planet Nine Candidate Found

April 28, 2025
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Why Black Holes ‘Rang Out of Tune’ — and How We Finally Found the Answer

April 28, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
NASA Space News
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Privacy Policy
  • ABOUT US
  • DISCLAIMER
  • Contact Us
NASA Space News
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Astronomy

What the White Glow in Aurora Borealis Reveals About Our Planet’s Atmosphere

by nasaspacenews
January 14, 2025
in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Auroras, News, Others
0
(Image credit: Westend61 via Getty Images)

1835012818

ADVERTISEMENT
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, have long enchanted observers with their colorful displays in the Arctic skies. But amidst these spectacular green and red hues, scientists recently uncovered a new phenomenon that deepens the mystery of this celestial spectacle: a ghostly white or gray patch that appears alongside the vibrant auroras.


A Closer Look at the White Patch Phenomenon

The discovery of the white patch, termed “structured continuum emission,” has added a fresh layer to the science of auroras. Unlike the traditional bright green or red auroras caused by charged particles colliding with gas molecules in the upper atmosphere, this white patch appears as a faint, ethereal glow embedded within the auroral activity.

Images of the aurora borealis showing the structured continuum emission. Credit: University of Calgary, Faculty of Science research team

Dr. Emma Spanswick, the lead author of the study, described it as a “heat source” intertwined with the aurora borealis. While it has been referenced sporadically in scientific literature, this is the first time its origins have been systematically explored. What makes this phenomenon stand out is its subtle nature and the advanced technology required to detect it.


The Role of Technology in the Discovery

The breakthrough was made possible by advancements in digital imaging technology. Cameras now have the ability to capture true-color images of the night sky, revealing details that were previously invisible to the naked eye or older equipment. Dr. Spanswick explained, “Your smartphone can now take vivid pictures of the auroras, and that leap in technology has also benefited scientific imaging tools.”

These new tools allowed researchers to document the white patch in ways that earlier generations of scientists could only dream of.


How the White Patch Differs from Traditional Auroras

Traditional auroras are caused by solar particles colliding with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, resulting in characteristic green, red, and purple lights. In contrast, the structured continuum emission appears as a white or gray glow and has a thermal origin. This suggests a complex interaction of atmospheric energy that goes beyond the well-known mechanisms of auroras.

Interestingly, the white patch shares some similarities with another phenomenon called STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement). STEVE is a mauve or gray ribbon of light that forms independently of auroras, and while the two phenomena differ in structure and location, they both hint at previously uncharted atmospheric processes.


What the White Patch Tells Us About the Atmosphere

The white patch phenomenon serves as a reminder of the complexity of Earth’s atmosphere. It reveals that auroral activity is not solely about visible light but also involves intricate energy exchanges. These insights have significant implications for understanding atmospheric dynamics, space weather, and even how these phenomena might influence satellite operations.

The structured continuum emission also underscores the role of heat and energy transfer in shaping atmospheric phenomena.


The Connection to STEVE: Unveiling Similar Mysteries

STEVE, first observed in recent years, is another example of how the aurora borealis can surprise us. Like the white patch, STEVE is a distinct phenomenon that challenges traditional views of auroras. It appears as a long, ribbon-like band, separated from traditional auroras, and has become a topic of intense study.

Dr. Spanswick noted that while STEVE and the white patch share some spectral similarities, they are fundamentally different in terms of structure and behavior. However, the discovery of these phenomena highlights the vast amount of atmospheric knowledge yet to be uncovered.


Microlensing and the Role of Light

One of the most fascinating aspects of the study was the role of microlensing—a phenomenon often associated with astrophysical observations of distant galaxies. In this context, microlensing occurs when small objects in the atmosphere, such as free-floating particles, amplify light from the auroras. This magnification effect provided scientists with a clearer view of the white patch, allowing for detailed study.

This double-layered lensing effect is a testament to the interconnectedness of physical phenomena, from the microscopic to the cosmic scale.


Why This Discovery Matters

The identification of the structured continuum emission is more than just a scientific curiosity—it has real-world implications. Understanding the mechanisms behind this phenomenon can enhance our ability to predict and mitigate space weather effects on technology, including satellites and communication systems. Additionally, it deepens our appreciation of the complexity of Earth’s atmospheric processes.

For the public, this discovery adds another layer of wonder to the northern lights. The idea that there are still hidden secrets within such a familiar phenomenon is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds us of the vastness of nature’s mysteries and the potential for future discoveries.


The Educational Impact of the Study

This research also highlights the importance of fostering curiosity and collaboration in scientific endeavors. Undergraduate student Josh Houghton played a key role in analyzing the data, demonstrating how early-career scientists can contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking discoveries. His involvement underscores the value of mentorship and hands-on experience in shaping the next generation of researchers.

Dr. Spanswick praised Houghton’s contributions, noting that his work not only enriched the study but also provided him with a transformative learning experience. This collaboration serves as a model for how scientific research can inspire and educate simultaneously.

ADVERTISEMENT

Conclusion: A New Light on the Northern Lights

As we continue to study the auroras, we are reminded that even familiar phenomena can hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. The structured continuum emission is not just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a celebration of the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of knowledge. So, the next time you gaze at the northern lights, remember that there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Reference:

 E. Spanswick et al, Association of structured continuum emission with dynamic aurora, Nature Communications (2024)

Tags: Atmospheric Heat SourcesAtmospheric PhysicsAtmospheric Scienceaurora borealisAurora Borealis DiscoveriesAurora Borealis White GlowAurora Glow ExplainedAurora ImagingAurora MysteriesAurora PhenomenaAurora ResearchDynamic AuroraEarth’s AtmosphereEarth’s Magnetic FieldNature Communications Studynorthern lightsNorthern Lights ScienceSTEVE PhenomenonStructured Continuum EmissionWhite Patch Aurora

FEATURED POST

A storm is pictured in the Arabian Sea less than 700 miles off the coast of Oman as the International Space Station orbited 260 miles above. NASA / Jasmin Moghbeli

Storm Warning: JWST Detects Violent Weather on Nearby Substars

May 7, 2025
Image captured by Juno during its 66th perijove, then further processed with color enhancement by Gerald Eichstädt and Thomas Thomopoulos. NASA / JPL / SwRI / MSSS / Gerald Eichstädt / Thomas Thomopoulos CC BY 3.0

Juno Strikes Gold: Uncovering Jupiter’s Monster Storms and Io’s Super Volcano

May 5, 2025
This artist's illustration shows a protoplanetary disk swirling around a young star. New research showing how a young star can send some material back into the disk helps explain an observational discrepancy. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle (SSC)

Stars Eat, Sleep, and Feed Their Planets: The New Truth Behind Cosmic Disks

May 5, 2025
Earth Junk.

Earth Is Hit by Space Debris Every Day—Infrasound Sensors Could Help Us Prepare

May 3, 2025

EDITOR PICK'S

Storm Warning: JWST Detects Violent Weather on Nearby Substars

May 7, 2025

Juno Strikes Gold: Uncovering Jupiter’s Monster Storms and Io’s Super Volcano

May 5, 2025

Stars Eat, Sleep, and Feed Their Planets: The New Truth Behind Cosmic Disks

May 5, 2025

Earth Is Hit by Space Debris Every Day—Infrasound Sensors Could Help Us Prepare

May 3, 2025

A Tear in the Cosmos? The Dark Matter Link That No One Expected

May 3, 2025

What Happens When a Black Hole Fires a Cosmic Jet at Earth

May 1, 2025

JWST Uncovers 1,700 Galaxy Groups in Deepest-Ever Cosmic Map

April 30, 2025

STAY CONNECTED

Recent News

A storm is pictured in the Arabian Sea less than 700 miles off the coast of Oman as the International Space Station orbited 260 miles above. NASA / Jasmin Moghbeli

Storm Warning: JWST Detects Violent Weather on Nearby Substars

May 7, 2025
Image captured by Juno during its 66th perijove, then further processed with color enhancement by Gerald Eichstädt and Thomas Thomopoulos. NASA / JPL / SwRI / MSSS / Gerald Eichstädt / Thomas Thomopoulos CC BY 3.0

Juno Strikes Gold: Uncovering Jupiter’s Monster Storms and Io’s Super Volcano

May 5, 2025

Category

  • Asteroid
  • Astrobiology
  • Astrology
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophotography
  • Astrophysics
  • Auroras
  • Black holes
  • Comets
  • Cosmology
  • Dark energy
  • Dark Matter
  • Earth
  • Euclid
  • Exoplanets
  • Galaxies
  • Jupiter
  • JWST
  • Mars
  • Mercury
  • Meteor showers
  • Moon
  • Neptune
  • News
  • Others
  • Planets
  • QuantumPhysics
  • quasars
  • Rocks
  • Saturn
  • solar storm
  • Solar System
  • stars
  • sun
  • Universe
  • Uranus
  • Venus
  • Voyager

We bring you the latest news and updates in space exploration, innovation, and astronomy.

  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • DISCLAIMER
  • PRIVACY POLICY

© 2025 NASA Space News

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Privacy Policy
  • ABOUT US
  • DISCLAIMER
  • Contact Us

© 2025 NASA Space News

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist