Scientists have made a rare discovery finding ‘laughing electrons’ in Earth’s protective magnetic field.
According to a new study led by Jason Shuster, a UNH research assistant professor of physics, a unique and smile-shaped distribution occurs within the electron diffusion region, a specific region where Earth’s magnetic field meets the solar wind.
This region was previously considered a ‘black box’.
According to findings published in Nature: Communication Physics, the smile-shaped structure serves as a ‘map’, helping scientists understand the mechanisms of energy transfer in space.
The space discovery is being called “the first of its kind” and will provide futuristic insights into magnetic reconnection events, which are responsible for disrupting space weather.
“We want to know what those electrons are doing in the magnetosphere to get a picture of what’s happening at magnetic reconnection sites and the explosive energy transfers that occur there,” Shuster said.
According to the researcher, if scientists manage to understand magnetic reconnection using a map, they can easily predict space weather events that affect satellites, communications systems, GPS and other technological infrastructure.
Broader scientific applications
The “smile” found at Earth’s magnetic boundary is a template that can be applied to plasma environments throughout the universe, including
- Solar winds and the magnetosphere of other planets
- Black holes
- Magnetic confinement nuclear fusion devices where scientists try to trap hot plasma to create clean energy.
