New Electromagnetic Wave Discovery Alters Understanding of Earth's Radiation Belts

Researchers identify 'specularly reflected whistlers' that double the lightning energy reaching the magnetosphere, impacting space technology safety.

Scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered a new type of electromagnetic wave called 'specularly reflected whistlers.'
These waves carry significant lightning energy from low latitudes to the magnetosphere, previously thought trapped in the ionosphere.
The discovery reveals that lightning energy reaching the magnetosphere is double previous estimates, posing risks to satellites and astronauts.
The research utilized data from NASA's Van Allen Probes and the World Wide Lightning Detection Network.
Understanding these waves is crucial for protecting space technology and human space operations from harmful radiation belt particles.