In the form of letters NASA reveals “strange structures” above the Earth.. What is their impact on communications?

Arabia Weather - Scientists at the US space agency NASA discovered strange structures flying in part of the atmosphere above the planet Earth, in the shape of the letters of the alphabet (X and C). This discovery was made through NASA’s GOLD mission, where these structures are located. In the ionosphere, which is located at an altitude of about 80 to 644 kilometers above the planet's surface.

Who knew Earth's upper atmosphere was like alphabet soup?

NASA's Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission has found surprising C and X shapes in an electrified layer of gas high above our heads called the ionosphere.

Find out more: https://t.co/gMXEkBPTFf pic.twitter.com/3QLU0eQYvW

— NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) June 27, 2024

The influence of structures on communication

According to CNN, the ionosphere allows radio signals to be transmitted over long distances, and these “strange structures” are likely to interfere with communication signals and GPS, affecting operations on planet Earth. Scientists point out that this discovery "could help improve radio communications and space weather forecasts."

NASA said in a statement:

“Who knew that the Earth's upper atmosphere contained such alphabet shapes?”

• The Importance of GOLD Mission Statements

Satellite data can't always capture the full picture of what's happening in the ionosphere, but the GOLD mission was able to learn how different factors cause disturbances in the ionosphere. Jeffrey Klinzing, a research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, explained that the mission data helps scientists see "how complex Earth's atmosphere is," while showing that it is more volatile than expected.

• Understand future dynamics and impacts

The discovery helps "understand the dynamics between the ionosphere and weather," and how the interaction may pose risks to people and systems on Earth. The discovery prompts researchers to wonder about the possible effects of the (X and C) structures on communications signals in the future.

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