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A rare sight unfolded on November 10, as NASA launched rockets that created artificial clouds beneath auroras during a minor geomagnetic storm over northern Norway. The event took place near Andøya Space Center, a facility situated in an ideal location for studying geomagnetic activity due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. Tour operator Ivar Sandland, who witnessed the spectacle, told Space.com about the unusual visual phenomena during his trip from Bodo to Tromso.

As per the report by the publication, Sandland, who runs Nordland Adventures, assumed it was a cloud at first glance. He later discovered through local news that the visible trails in the sky were part of NASA’s ongoing experiments.

VortEx Mission Studies Atmospheric Energy Flow

The event was part of NASA’s Vorticity Experiment (VortEx), which investigates energy dynamics in the turbopause, where the mesosphere and thermosphere meet at approximately 90 kilometres above Earth. The report further mentions that the rockets released trimethyl aluminium, a compound that reacts in the atmosphere to produce visible streaks. These artificial clouds are used to track gravity waves, aiding researchers in understanding their interactions at this altitude.

Sounding rockets, smaller suborbital vehicles designed for research purposes, were deployed for the experiment. The visual effects created by the chemical release offered scientists crucial data on energy transfer processes, while also captivating onlookers with an unusual display under the northern lights.

Ideal Location for Space Research

Andøya Space Center serves as a hub for launching rockets intended for atmospheric and geomagnetic research. Charged particles from the sun, guided by Earth’s magnetic field towards the poles, produce auroras by interacting with gases in the upper atmosphere. This makes northern Norway an optimal site for observing these interactions.

Such experiments offer insights into atmospheric science while fostering curiosity among local residents and visitors, highlighting the intersection of research and natural wonder.

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Devil Comet’s Water Matches Earth, Strengthening Theory of Cosmic Origins

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Astronomers discovered that the water in Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, known as the “Devil Comet,” is nearly identical to Earth’s. Using ALMA and IRTF data, they mapped cometary water for the first time. The findings bolster the theory that comets delivered water to Earth, enabling life’s emergence.

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Single Quantum Device Measures Amperes, Volts, and Ohms in New Discovery

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Scientists at NIST have developed a quantum device that measures amperes, volts, and ohms within a single system for the first time. Reported in Nature Electronics, the breakthrough uses two integrated quantum standards to achieve unmatched accuracy. The innovation could transform electrical measurements across research, technology, and diagnostics by simplifying proc…

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Chinese Astronauts Strengthen Tiangong’s Defenses Against Space Debris

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On Aug. 15, Chinese astronauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie completed a 6.5-hour spacewalk to strengthen the Tiangong space station’s defenses against orbital debris. Working outside the station, they installed new protective panels and inspected external systems. The mission marked Chen Dong’s sixth career EVA—the most by a Chinese astronaut—and the third for Shenz…

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