The SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) space mission, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has unveiled a stunning image: a complete ring of the aurora, captured from space. This unique observation, made in ultraviolet light, offers deeper insights into the interaction between solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere, crucial for protecting our planet from space weather.
What is a Full Aurora Oval?
From Earth’s surface, we only ever see a portion of the aurora, as it forms a vast circle around the planet’s magnetic poles. Only spacecraft positioned high above Earth can observe it in its entirety. The video captured by SMILE’s camera showcases this complete auroral ring, remarkably observed during the daytime thanks to its use of the ultraviolet spectrum. The footage, spanning approximately one hour, vividly illustrates the dynamic and often turbulent nature of auroras.
The Purpose of the SMILE Mission
The additional points of light visible at the edges of the video are distant stars, which appear to move due to the SMILE camera’s changing field of view during its orbital flight. The primary objective of the SMILE mission is to gain a better understanding of how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere. This knowledge is vital for developing more effective strategies to safeguard astronauts, spacecraft, and terrestrial power grids from the damaging effects of solar storms.
Source: NASA
