Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Space Hurricanes
Jul 28, 2021
Space hurricanes are a fascinating cosmic phenomenon that can disrupt satellite communications. They resemble earthly hurricanes but occur in the ionosphere, and a notable event in 2014 serves as a prime example. The hosts break down the dynamics and mysteries behind these massive storms, exploring their unique plasma composition and potential links to solar activity. While they may sound alarming, the actual impact on our daily lives is minimal, sparking curiosity about what else lies beyond our planet.
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Space Hurricane Discovery
- A space plasma hurricane was documented for the first time on August 20, 2014, over Earth's magnetic north pole.
- While it disrupted satellites and the geomagnetic field, it went largely unnoticed on Earth.
Space Hurricane Composition
- Space hurricanes resemble Earth hurricanes with a calm center and spinning arms of energy.
- However, they are composed of plasma, not wind and water vapor.
Plasma Hurricanes
- Space hurricanes are made of plasma, the fourth state of matter.
- This differs significantly from Earth hurricanes, which consist of wind, water vapor, and clouds.