Researchers uncover 'space chorus' in distant cosmos
Researchers have made an exciting discovery of a 'space chorus' occurring in a region far beyond our planet. This finding sheds light on the intricate natural phenomena that manifest in the cosmos. The researchers' work highlights the complexities of space environments and expands our understanding of the sounds and signals generated in the universe.
TroibNews 
An international research team headed by Chinese scientists has identified chorus waves over 160,000 km from Earth—a cosmic phenomenon once thought to be limited to areas near Earth’s dipole magnetic field regions. This discovery was detailed in a study published in *Nature* on Thursday.
"We observed chorus waves with frequencies below 100 Hz. When we converted the chorus waves into audio output, we obtained a piece of 'space chorus' that we can hear," stated Liu Chengming from Beihang University, the paper's lead author, who likened the sound to "the chirping of birds."
The Earth’s magnetic field stretches into space. As charged particles in space encounter this magnetic field, they can generate chorus waves, which are electromagnetic waves with frequency patterns reminiscent of birds singing in the morning. Recognized as one of the most significant electromagnetic disturbances in space, chorus waves have long been a focal point of research in space physics, with the prevailing belief that they only existed near Earth's dipole magnetic field regions.
The research team, which includes members from China, the United States, and Sweden, examined vast datasets obtained from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, a solar-terrestrial probe initiative. They revealed the presence of chorus waves more than 160,000 km from Earth and proposed a theoretical framework indicating that nonlinear wave-particle interactions are responsible for their occurrence.
Chorus waves are essential for addressing fundamental questions about space and have significant practical implications. They are crucial for the acceleration of high-energy electrons in Earth's radiation belts and the creation of pulsating auroras in polar regions. Additionally, they can affect fluctuations in space weather, posing risks to the stable function of spacecraft and the well-being of astronauts.
According to the study, these discoveries offer vital theoretical insights for accurately modeling and predicting space weather.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
"We observed chorus waves with frequencies below 100 Hz. When we converted the chorus waves into audio output, we obtained a piece of 'space chorus' that we can hear," stated Liu Chengming from Beihang University, the paper's lead author, who likened the sound to "the chirping of birds."
The Earth’s magnetic field stretches into space. As charged particles in space encounter this magnetic field, they can generate chorus waves, which are electromagnetic waves with frequency patterns reminiscent of birds singing in the morning. Recognized as one of the most significant electromagnetic disturbances in space, chorus waves have long been a focal point of research in space physics, with the prevailing belief that they only existed near Earth's dipole magnetic field regions.
The research team, which includes members from China, the United States, and Sweden, examined vast datasets obtained from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, a solar-terrestrial probe initiative. They revealed the presence of chorus waves more than 160,000 km from Earth and proposed a theoretical framework indicating that nonlinear wave-particle interactions are responsible for their occurrence.
Chorus waves are essential for addressing fundamental questions about space and have significant practical implications. They are crucial for the acceleration of high-energy electrons in Earth's radiation belts and the creation of pulsating auroras in polar regions. Additionally, they can affect fluctuations in space weather, posing risks to the stable function of spacecraft and the well-being of astronauts.
According to the study, these discoveries offer vital theoretical insights for accurately modeling and predicting space weather.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
