Mysterious grayish-white ribbons have been discovered interwoven with the northern lights, presenting a new enigma for scientists studying auroral phenomena. These ghostly glows, distinct from typical auroras, have been observed tucked within or curled beside red and green auroras in new images.
Key Findings
Nature of the Phenomenon
- The pale lights are not auroras themselves but may arise through a process similar to STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement).
- Spectral data confirms that the whitish light is composed of continuum emission, meaning it contains light at all wavelengths.
Observations and Data Collection
- Discovered by researchers at the University of Calgary using the Transition Region Explorer (TREx) mission.
- 30 white-laced auroras were identified over Saskatchewan from 2019 to 2023.
- The white tendrils can span tens to hundreds of kilometers.
Comparison to STEVE
- The continuum emission of the whitish northern lights resembles that of STEVE.
- Unlike STEVE’s neat arc, these white lights appear patchy, suggesting they are not identical phenomena.
Scientific Implications
This discovery highlights the complexity of auroral processes and opens up new avenues for research. Claire Gasque, a space physicist at UC Berkeley, emphasizes that these observations remind us of how much we still have to learn about the fundamental processes shaping auroras.Potential Mechanisms
- The white lights might arise from atmospheric heating, similar to STEVE.
- The exact cause of the heating and its localized nature remains unknown.
Future Research Directions
- Investigating these emissions could provide valuable clues about the atmospheric chemistry behind STEVE.
- Understanding the differences between these white lights and STEVE may help solve longstanding mysteries about auroral phenomena.
This discovery underscores the importance of continued observation and study of auroral events, as they continue to reveal new and unexpected features of our upper atmosphere and its interaction with space weather.
