New Insights into Space Weather from Space Waves

Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have discovered that “space waves” could offer new insights into space weather, leading to more accurate space weather predictions and safer satellite navigation through radiation belts. The latest research shows that seasonal and daily variations in the Earth’s magnetic tilt, towards or away from the sun, can trigger changes in large-wavelength space waves. These breaking waves, known as Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, occur at the boundary between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic shield. The waves happen much more frequently around the spring and fall seasons, while wave activity is poor around summer and winter. These events can impact power grids and Global Positioning Systems.