NASA's ambitious twin rocket missions from Alaska are set to unravel the mysteries of the enigmatic black auroras. These colorful light displays, caused by solar wind collisions with Earth's atmosphere, have captivated scientists for years. But here's where it gets controversial: while most auroras occur when electrons flow towards Earth, black auroras happen when electrons shoot up into space. NASA's Black and Diffuse Auroral Science Surveyor (BADASS) mission, launched on February 9th, aims to study these rare events, reaching an altitude of 224 miles (360 km) before returning to Earth. The mission's principal investigator, Marilia Samara, expressed satisfaction with the scientific instruments' performance, which will provide high-quality data for NASA's research.
Adding to the intrigue, the Geophysical Non-Equilibrium Ionospheric System Science (GNEISS) mission, launched on February 10th, is creating a 'CT scan' of the electric currents within the northern lights. Using two sounding rockets and a network of ground receivers, the mission aims to create a three-dimensional view of an aurora's electoral environment. Kristina Lynch, GNEISS principal investigator and Dartmouth College professor, emphasizes the importance of understanding how the current spreads downward through the atmosphere. These studies are crucial as auroras are associated with geomagnetic storms, which can cause technical issues for satellites and endanger astronauts. On Earth, these storms can lead to power blackouts, air travel diversions, and radio transmission interference. So, while NASA's missions may seem like a simple scientific endeavor, they have far-reaching implications for our understanding of space and its impact on our world.
