In the face of escalating disruptions in satellite communication and Global Positioning System (GPS), NASA’s introduction of the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) draws attention to the imperative to understand space weather. The project is especially significant because, with Earth’s extreme weather events impacting space phenomena through atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs), AWE is poised to offer revolutionary insights into these interrelated occurrences.
Understanding Space Weather
Space weather refers to the changeable conditions within the space environment surrounding Earth and other planets. These are driven by solar activity and the interplay between solar wind and the magnetic fields of planets. The influence of space weather extends to several facets of human activities and technologies, from satellite-based communication, navigation, and power systems to protecting astronaut health, and guiding aviation and space exploration.
The Concept of Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGWs)
Gravity waves originate in a stable atmosphere when the temperature difference between rising air and the ambient atmosphere creates a force that restores the air back to its original position. AGWs, on the other hand, are waves that move within a stable atmospheric layer, thriving particularly in areas where air ascends, resulting in unique cloud formations. These waves can extend into space, playing a role in shaping space weather. Extreme weather events or disturbances causing vertical displacement of stable air, like thunderstorms, hurricanes, and regional topography, contribute significantly to AGW creation in the lower atmosphere.
NASA’s Atmospheric Waves Experiment: An Overview
AWE is a groundbreaking experiment under NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, designed to explore the link between lower atmospheric waves and space weather. Mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), the AWE will examine the Earth’s atmospheric air glows, notably at the mesopause (approximately 85 to 87 km above Earth’s surface). The AWE is equipped with an Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT) that will scan the mesopause using imaging radiometers for capturing specific wavelengths’ brightness.
The Objectives and Expected Outcomes of the AWE Mission
The primary goal of AWE is to understand the driving forces behind space weather and explore the potential effects of terrestrial weather on it. Data collected by AWE are expected to improve weather models and forecasts.
How a Major Solar Storm Might Impact Earth
A substantial solar storm reaching Earth could have several effects, which include causing GPS and navigation systems to fail, damaging power grids, disturbing satellite orbits, and interrupting shortwave radio communication of aircraft flying over polar regions. It could also result in intense auroras occurring over much of the Earth. However, tsunamis at equatorial regions and forest fires over much of the planet are unlikely consequences of a major solar storm.