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.
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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 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.’
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What are potential solutions to mitigate the negative effects of rocket launches on the ionosphere?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re delving into a fascinating and potentially worrisome development in space exploration. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Jones, an astrophysicist specializing in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Dr. Jones, thanks for being with us.
**Dr. Jones:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Jones, there’s been some buzz recently about a SpaceX rocket launch potentially punching a hole in the ionosphere. Can you shed some light on this for our viewers?
**Dr. Jones:** That’s right, there’s been growing concern about the impact of rocket launches on the ionosphere. The ionosphere is a critical layer of our atmosphere that plays a crucial role in radio communication and GPS navigation. As rockets ascend through this layer, their engines release heat which can directly disrupt the delicate balance of charged particles, creating what scientists call ‘holes’ or depressions in the ionosphere.
**Interviewer:** So, what exactly are these holes, and how serious is this potential disruption?
**Dr. Jones:** Essentially, these holes are areas where the density of electrons, which are vital for reflecting radio waves back to Earth, is significantly reduced. While individual events might be temporary, the increasing frequency of rocket launches worldwide is raising concerns about cumulative long-term effects [[[1](https://www.newsweek.com/spacex-rocket-exhaust-hole-ionosphere-1818516)]].
**Interviewer:** This sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. Are there any documented cases of these holes occurring?
**Dr. Jones:** Yes, there have been several documented cases, and researchers have been studying this phenomenon for some time. While more research is needed, initial findings suggest that these holes can indeed disrupt radio communications and navigation systems.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to mitigate this issue?
**Dr. Jones:** That’s a pressing question. Scientists and engineers are exploring several solutions, including developing propulsion systems that are less disruptive to the ionosphere. Additionally, better understanding the dynamics of the ionosphere and predicting the impact of rocket launches will be crucial for minimizing potential disruptions.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Jones, thank you for sharing your expertise on this important topic. This is certainly an issue that requires further attention as space exploration continues to advance. For our viewers, we encourage you to stay informed and engage in discussions about the impact of our technological advancements on our planet.
**Dr. Jones:** You’re very welcome. It’s crucial that we have these conversations.
