An international research team led by Chinese scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery of 'space chorus' waves more than 160,000 kilometers away from Earth. This phenomenon, previously believed to occur only near Earth's dipole magnetic field regions, opens new avenues in space physics research.
\"We observed chorus waves with frequencies below 100 Hz. When we converted these waves into audio, we obtained a piece of 'space chorus' that we can hear,\" said Liu Chengming of Beihang University, the study's first author. Describing the sound as \"the chirping of birds,\" Liu highlighted the unique auditory experience of these electromagnetic waves.
The Earth's magnetic field extends far into space, and when charged particles pass through this field, they can excite chorus waves—electromagnetic waves with frequency characteristics similar to morning bird songs. As one of the most intense electromagnetic fluctuations in space, chorus waves play a crucial role in understanding fundamental questions about our universe.
The team, comprising researchers from China, the United States, and Sweden, analyzed vast amounts of data collected by the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, a solar-terrestrial probe mission. Their findings revealed chorus waves occurring at distances much farther than previously recorded, providing a theoretical explanation that nonlinear wave-particle interactions are the cause.
Chorus waves are key to the acceleration of high-energy electrons in Earth's radiation belts and the generation of pulsating auroras in polar regions. They can also influence space weather changes, potentially affecting the stable operation of spacecraft and the health of astronauts.
\"These findings provide essential theoretical support for the precise modeling and forecasting of space weather,\" the study concluded, emphasizing the practical implications of this discovery.
The research was published in the journal Nature on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of space phenomena and highlighting the growing contribution of Chinese scientists to international space research.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
