The world experienced a rare and mysterious occurrence last month as the Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, or STEVE, was observed across the United States and parts of the United Kingdom. This bizarre phenomenon caught the attention of experts and skywatchers alike, appearing in a range of colors including white, purple, and green.
What is STEVE?
While STEVE may look similar to auroras, it is not the same phenomenon. Aurora is caused by highly energetic particles from solar storms and solar wind breaking through Earth’s magnetic field and exciting molecules of gas in the upper atmosphere. On the other hand, STEVE is a ribbon of ionized gas that breaks through Earth’s magnetosphere and into the ionosphere due to magnetic disturbances during solar storms.
The resulting plasma can travel at around 13,300 mph (21,400 km/h) and creates friction with the surrounding air, which excites molecules to glow in the same way as an aurora. Scientists believe that STEVE can also manifest as picket fences flashing across the sky for around 30 seconds before disappearing.
The Surprise Solar Storm That Triggered STEVE
The recent appearance of STEVE was caused by a surprise coronal mass ejection (CME), a fast-moving blob of plasma and magnetic field released from a massive hole in the sun that was not visible to astronomers. The storm resulted in geomagnetic storms on Earth that led to spectacular auroras across the globe.
What made this storm different from others was its surprising ferocity. While space weather forecasters did not predict such intensity, it peaked at a severe G4 on the 5-grade scale used by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Additionally, this “stealth” CME traveled much slower than usual, making it nearly impossible to track.
Unexpected Delays in Spaceflight
The solar storm caused widespread sightings of STEVE and incredible aurora displays, but it also caused problems for spaceflight. Rocket Lab was forced to delay a launch by 90 minutes due to the increased density of gases in the upper atmosphere caused by the storm. Strong geomagnetic storms can increase the drag on spacecraft, creating complications for mission timing.
The Future of Extreme Space Weather Events
Scientists predict that we can expect more extreme space weather events like this powerful geomagnetic storm as the sun nears a peak in its 11-year solar cycle, expected to occur in 2025. While such events may cause disruptions, they also provide breathtaking displays of natural beauty for skywatchers around the globe.
The Northern Lights Surge and Latest Achievements
Another related recent event was the sudden surge in auroras that occurred after a large hole in the Sun’s corona resulted in a strong geomagnetic storm on Earth. Millions of people across America witnessed the spectacular natural phenomenon known as Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. NASA even dedicated its Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 27 to a bewitching display of an Aurora over the Arctic.
The featured image, taken in northern Iceland, captured an aurora-filled sky aligned with various other stars. Auroras are formed by streams of electrified particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, which are emitted by the Sun. The collision between these particles and Earth’s magnetic field produces stunning displays of light.
In conclusion, while unexpected natural phenomena like STEVE and Northern Lights may disrupt spaceflight, they remind us of the beauty and awe-inspiring power of our planet and its relationship with the cosmos. These occurrences continue to intrigue scientists and fascinate skywatchers around the world alike.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
