Scientists detected an electric field around our planet Earth for the first time. This electric field is known as the ambipolar field. It was first hypothesized over 60 years ago. The discovery will change our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions with space.
The ambipolar field was first theorized in the late 1960s when a spacecraft travelled over Earth’s poles and detected a supersonic wind of particles escaping from the atmosphere. The ambipolar field is a weak electric field that wraps around Earth. This theory suggested the presence of an electric field, which opposes the gravitational field and helps particles escape into space.
What is the Ambipolar Field?
An ambipolar field is created above the surface at an altitude of around 250 kilometres (155 miles) in the layer of the atmosphere called the ionosphere. In this layer of atmosphere, extreme ultraviolet and solar radiation ionize atmospheric atoms. This process breaks off negatively charged electrons, turning the atoms into positively charged ions.
After breaking, the lighter electrons escape into space, and heavier ions come towards the surface of Earth. To maintain neutrality in charge, a field formed between electrons and ions ties them together. This field works in both the upward and downward directions.
The Discovery Process
A mission named Endurance was launched in 2022 and made this discovery possible. The mission aimed to detect the ambipolar field using its advanced instrumentation. The spacecraft reached a height of 768 kilometres (477 miles), grabbed valuable data, and then descended to Earth. Onboard instruments measured a change in potential of just 0.55 volts, similar to the potential of wristwatch batteries. This value was enough to confirm the presence of the ambipolar field.
The ambipolar field plays an important role in shaping our Earth’s atmosphere. It helps to puff up the atmosphere, allowing some ions to escape into space. The process of escaping particles into space is visible in the polar wind, where particles are launched at supersonic speeds. An ambipolar field increases the density of the ionosphere at high altitudes.
Scientists believe this field is not only for Earth, but any planet in the universe with an atmosphere should have the same ambipolar field. Ambipolar field could help us to understand our planet and other planets in our solar system and beyond. It also helps us to understand how it shaped the evolution over the period of time.
Scientists are eager to conduct further research. They want to know how this field interacts with other atmospheric phenomena and its impact on space weather. By understanding the ambipolar field, we might get valuable data for protecting our planet from the effects of solar, wind, and radiation.
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