NASA Scientists Discover Strange Structures Hovering Above Earth

Scientists have discovered unexpected X- and C-shaped formations in an electrified layer of gas in a part of the atmosphere called the ionosphere.

Scientists found the structures around the ionosphere (the region where Earth’s atmosphere meets space) and say the discovery might help improve radio communications and space weather forecasts.

Although these alphabetic shapes have been observed before, the GOLD mission gives us our best look at them yet, revealing strange X and C shapes that appear at unexpected times and sometimes in surprising places.

The sudden appearance of these structures proves that we have more to learn regarding the ionosphere and its effects on communication and navigation signals that pass through it.

The ionosphere, which lies regarding 80 to 644 km (50 to 400 miles) above the planet’s surface, becomes electrically charged as sunlight hits it throughout the day, creating plasma packets of charged particles that are further influenced by Earth’s magnetic field. These bubbles of plasma are what form the X and C shapes observed.

Previous studies have shown that plasma peaks merge to form an X-shape following solar storms and large volcanic eruptions.

However, new data reveals that they can also form in so-called “quiet times,” suggesting that local factors play a role as well.

Computer models show that low atmospheric conditions can pull plasma downward, the scientists noted in their study.

“Previous reports of the merger were only during magnetically turbulent conditions,” Fazlul Laskar, an ionospheric physicist at the University of Colorado, who co-authored the paper, explained in a NASA statement. “This is an unexpected feature during geomagnetically quiet conditions.”