A new analysis has shown concern that Elon Musk Space Company Space X Launched from California last week by The rocket A hole has probably been created in the Earth’s ionosphere.
The Falcon 9 rocket, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 19, likely punched a hole in the ionosphere, the review said.
The ionosphere, or sphere, is a layer around the fluid Earth that contains the fourth type of plasma of matter, where a sea of electrically charged particles floats at an altitude of about 80 to 650 kilometers.
While reviewing the footage of the rocket launch, Jeff Baumgardner, an astrophysicist at Boston University in the United States, said, “It is quite possible that the launch created a hole in the ionosphere.”
He told US website spaceweather.com: ‘This is a well-studied phenomenon when rockets are releasing heat from their engines 200 to 300 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.’
Previous research has shown that with the increasing number of rocket launches around the world, holes in the ionosphere are becoming more common, making it possible to transmit radio communications to Earth.
The ionosphere is also dynamic and expands and contracts based on solar conditions. It is classified into sub-regions known as D, E and F. This classification is based on a layer’s ability to absorb wavelengths of solar radiation.
Studies show that flares from rockets and their engines can change the process by which charged particles form in this layer around Earth.
Rocket motions can also create large disturbances in the ionosphere that travel faster than the speed of sound and create shock waves in the layers.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was also launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 27, 2023 (AFP)
Research shows that as fast-moving rockets move toward the edge of space, they release water and carbon dioxide that can reduce the ionization process by two-thirds.
They particularly affect the F layer of the ionosphere, the subregions of which have the highest electron density.
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
Holes in the ionosphere caused by rockets are identified by their red color because the oxygen ions in this layer react with electrons from the rocket’s emission.
Experts said it produces light at the same wavelength as the red aurora.
Previous rockets launched by SpaceX also created holes in the ionosphere.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched in August 2017 produced massive circular shock acoustic waves in the ionosphere about five minutes after carrying Taiwan’s Formosat 5 satellite.
As a rocket carrying a payload launches directly above the ionosphere, it creates a circular shock wave on the crust.
A study of the phenomenon, published in the journal Space Weather, found that a large hole formed in the ionosphere about 10 minutes into the flight.
The scientists wrote in the study: ‘The rocket plume later produced an ionospheric plasma hole of mass 900 km in diameter with a TET reduction of 10 to 70 percent compared to reference days.’
#hole #Earths #ionosphere #feared #SpaceX #rocket
How can “holes” in the ionosphere affected by rocket launches be identified?
## Interview about SpaceX Rocket and Ionosphere Hole
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a fascinating topic: the potential impact of rocket launches on our planet’s ionosphere.
Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist with expertise in atmospheric science. Dr. Carter, thanks for being here.
Can you explain what the ionosphere is, and why scientists are concerned about “holes” forming in it?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! The ionosphere is a layer of our atmosphere, located about 80 to 650 kilometers above Earth. It contains electrically charged particles, creating plasma. This layer is critical because it reflects radio waves, enabling long-distance communication.
Recent analysis suggests that rocket launches, particularly powerful ones like the SpaceX Falcon 9, can actually create temporary “holes” or disturbances in this layer.
**Host:** That sounds concerning!
What happens when these “holes” appear?
**Dr. Carter:**
Well, when a rocket ascends, its engines release hot exhaust gases. This heat disrupts the natural balance of charged particles in the ionosphere, leading to a temporary decrease in density. Think of it like poking a hole in a net; the structure is temporarily altered.
These disturbances can affect radio wave propagation, potentially leading to communication disruptions.
**Host:**
The article mentions that this phenomenon isn’t completely new. Have we always seen this?
**Dr. Carter:**
You’re right, it’s not a brand new discovery. Rocket launches have always had some impact on the ionosphere, but the increasing frequency of launches, particularly from private companies like SpaceX, raises concerns.
As more rockets go into space, we need to better understand the cumulative effect of these disturbances on the ionosphere and its vital role in our communication systems.
**Host:**
That makes sense. What are some of the potential long-term consequences we need to be aware of?
**Dr. Carter:**
More research is needed to fully understand long-term implications. However, scientists are looking into possible effects on satellite communications, GPS accuracy, and even our ability to study and predict space weather events.
**Host: **
Thank you so much, Dr. Carter. This is such important information. It seems we need to keep a close eye
on this developing situation. For our audience, stay tuned for more coverage on this topic.
**Dr. Carter:**
It’s my pleasure to share my expertise. I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged on this important issue.
