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A rare phenomenon was recorded by the International Space Station in September 2024, revealing invisible atmospheric waves in the mesosphere, generated by the impact of Hurricane Helene, with the potential to affect satellites and global communications.
In September 2024, when Hurricane Helene struck Florida with its destructive force, no one imagined that its effects would be felt far beyond ground level. The International Space Station (ISS), located hundreds of kilometers above Earth, captured something unexpected: atmospheric waves invisible to the naked eye crossing the mesosphere. This intriguing discovery reinforces how terrestrial events can impact more distant layers of the atmosphere.
With the help of advanced instruments like AWE, scientists have begun to uncover patterns that previously went unnoticed, showing that even the thin air in the space is influenced by the storms below.
What are atmospheric waves?
Located between 31 and 55 miles above the ground by the International Space Station, the mesosphere is one of the least explored layers of the atmosphere. Despite its seemingly isolated appearance, it is sensitive to disturbances from the surface. When intense storms, such as hurricanes, occur, they can create “ripples” that propagate all the way to this remote region.
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Imagine throwing a stone into a still lake. The ripples spread out in circles, right? It’s similar to what happens in the mesosphere. Massive storms create enough energy to move even the air in the highest layers, generating atmospheric waves that can only be detected with extremely sensitive equipment.
The Discovery of the International Space Station (ISS): Invisible Signatures
Installed on the International Space Station in 2023, AWE can pick up subtle patterns in “atmospheric glow,” a faint light generated by gases at high altitudes. During Hurricane Helene, it recorded something surprising: ripple-like waves extending beyond the main zone of the storm.
The waves captured by AWE revealed that the hurricane's impact was not limited to the ground. These disturbances traveled horizontally in the upper atmosphere, showing the vast influence of extreme weather events.
Impacts of atmospheric waves on space technology
Although the air in the mesosphere is thin, it can still cause problems for satellites, according to the International Space Station. Small changes in atmospheric density can create unexpected drag, affecting orbits and critical operations. This may seem insignificant, but even a millimeter adjustment can compromise communications and navigation satellites.
With the data collected by AWE, engineers now have a valuable tool to predict changes in the upper atmosphere. This enables preemptive adjustments to satellites, increasing their safety and longevity in orbit.
How the mesosphere reveals climate secrets
Another piece of equipment essential to this discovery is the Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM). Sensitive to subtle variations, it allows scientists to observe invisible activity at extreme temperatures, such as the -101°C found in the mesosphere.
Unraveling the mysteries of the mesosphere may seem like a distant goal, but these discoveries have a direct impact on everyday life. After all, stable satellites provide internet, weather forecasts and even emergency systems. Investing in technologies like AMTM is like opening a window to an unknown part of our planet.
Recent discoveries from the International Space Station show that Earth's weather and space are deeply connected. Atmospheric waves, generated by hurricanes like Helene, highlight the importance of monitoring even the highest layers of the atmosphere. With equipment like AWE and AMTM, scientists are transforming the unknown in practical knowledge.
My father told me that all the populations that disappeared from the earth, such as the Mayans, Incas, Egyptians, and many others, were due to a strong hurricane in the region of Korea. This hurricane pierced the three layers of the atmosphere, causing the entire population of these places to be abducted by the vacuum. This is a story that my father said was passed from mouth to ear through the family.
Very good
FANTASTIC