Efforts to understand the mechanics of tornado formation have taken an innovative turn with the exploration of cosmic rays. These high-energy particles, generated by interactions between cosmic rays and Earth’s atmosphere, are being proposed as a tool to remotely measure atmospheric pressure changes within supercell thunderstorms. This method could shed light on the low-pressure regions believed to play a critical role in the development of tornadoes.

Study Details and Proposed Methods

According to a study accepted by Physical Review D, muons, subatomic particles created by cosmic rays, could offer insight into the atmospheric conditions within tornadoes and supercell storms. Dr. William Luszczak, a physicist at Ohio State University, has told Science News that using these particles to monitor pressure changes from a safe distance. He explained that a detector placed up to five kilometres away could identify variations in muon intensity, which correlate with changes in air density and pressure.

Computer models have demonstrated that regions of lower pressure are instrumental in tornado development. By tracking muons as they pass through these areas, researchers aim to overcome the challenges of placing traditional pressure sensors directly in the path of destructive storms.

Practical Considerations and Challenges

The research team has proposed a detector spanning 1,000 square metres to track muons across tornado paths. While such a scale would demand waiting for storms to pass near fixed equipment, a portable 100-square-metre version could be deployed at predicted severe weather sites. Past experiments, like the GRAPES-3 project in India, have shown the feasibility of using muons to measure atmospheric phenomena, including thunderstorm voltages.

Despite these advances, Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka from the University of Tokyo has raised concerns about the practicality of building sufficiently portable detectors while talking to Science News. Challenges in applying the technique to supercells, which are smaller than cyclones, have also been noted. Field testing of this concept has been planned for the upcoming summer, offering an opportunity to validate its potential.

A celestial event will unfold on January 13, 2025, when the full moon will obscure Mars for nearly four hours. This phenomenon, known as a lunar occultation, will coincide with Mars reaching opposition, where it aligns directly opposite the Sun as viewed from Earth. During this period, Mars will appear at its brightest and closest to Earth in 2025. Skywatchers across the United States, parts of Canada, Mexico, and regions of Western Africa will have the opportunity to witness this rare occurrence.

Event Details and Viewing Recommendations

According to reports, Mars will vanish behind the moon’s edge at approximately 8:44 p.m. EST and reappear around 12:52 a.m. EST the following day. The event will be visible in most parts of the mainland United States, some areas of Canada, Mexico and Western Africa, though the exact timing may vary depending on your location. Those interested in observing are encouraged to choose spots with minimal light pollution and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the dark.

Optimal Equipment for Observing

The Red Planet, described by astronomers as glowing with a golden tint, can be seen with the naked eye during the event. For a closer and more detailed view, high-powered binoculars or telescopes are recommended. These tools may reveal Mars’ red hues, its northern polar ice cap, and geological features like Valles Marineris, the solar system’s largest canyon. This canyon spans approximately 3,000 kilometres in length and reaches depths three times greater than the Grand Canyon.

Significance and Future Occurrences

This is reported to be the only lunar occultation of Mars observable from the United States this year. Following this, a similar event will take place in February, visible from parts of Scandinavia, Russia, and Asia. After 2025, the next easily viewable occultation for U.S.-based observers will not occur until 2042. The rare alignment makes this event particularly significant for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.

NASA is preparing to deploy the Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI) to the moon, aiming to provide groundbreaking observations of Earth’s magnetic field. Using advanced X-ray technology, LEXI will capture images of the magnetosphere’s movements, offering insights into how it reacts to solar wind. This mission seeks to enhance understanding of space weather, which impacts satellites, electronics, and Earth-based systems, marking a critical step in studying the planet’s protective magnetic shield from an entirely new vantage point.

Mission Details and Scientific Goals

According to reports by Live Science, the LEXI instrument will be transported aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, with the launch scheduled for January 15. Once operational, it will monitor Earth’s magnetosphere for six days, collecting data by observing low-energy X-rays reflected from the magnetic shield. Scientists expect the mission to offer visual evidence of the magnetosphere expanding and contracting due to variations in solar wind intensity.

Hyunju Connor, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, reportedly highlighted to Live Science that stronger solar winds cause the magnetosphere to compress, while weaker winds allow it to expand. The outcomes of this research may assist in better predicting geomagnetic storms, which are known to affect satellites, electronics, and infrastructure on Earth.

Earth’s Magnetic Shield and its Role

Earth’s magnetosphere, created by movements within the planet’s molten core, serves as a barrier against harmful cosmic radiation and solar wind particles. These interactions can result in geomagnetic storms, which sometimes produce dazzling auroras but also pose risks to technological systems. Reports indicate that understanding how particles interact with this shield is critical for safeguarding both terrestrial and space-based assets.

LEXI’s Evolution and Future Impact

The instrument was initially launched under a different name, STORM, in 2012 for a brief mission. Following significant upgrades, it is now prepared for a longer deployment. Brian Walsh, space physicist at Boston University and principal investigator for LEXI, was quoted stating to Live Science that this mission aims to present a comprehensive view of Earth’s space environment, advancing knowledge in a tangible and visual manner. This mission could mark a significant step in space weather research, with practical implications for infrastructure resilience and scientific exploration.