Overview

• 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.