Exploring the Latest Space Weather Trends with Innovative DYNAMIC Mission

Exploring the Connection Between Space Weather and Earth's Atmosphere

The Lower Thermosphere Ionosphere (LTI) altitude region where neutral gas interacts with the ionosphere is the focus of the DYNAMIC mission. Multiscale ripples in this area are a result of atmospheric wave forcing from below. A $2 million award from NASA has been granted to a team of researchers, including Jens Oberheide, a professor at Clemson University. The team aims to investigate the link between space weather and the Earth's atmosphere.

Investigative Mission and Collaborative Efforts

The team, led by the University of Colorado Boulder and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, plans to design a satellite to explore how changes in the lower atmosphere affect the upper atmosphere and low Earth orbit. Partners such as Arizona State University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research will contribute to the project. The DYNAMIC mission aligns with the 2013 Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics recommendations.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will provide data from ground instruments in Alaska, Scandinavia, and Antarctica to support the mission. UAF physics professor Mark Conde highlighted the complementary nature of ground- and space-based instruments in addressing atmospheric coupling questions. The collaboration with the DYNAMIC spacecraft will offer valuable insights into Earth's atmospheric regions.

Expected Contributions and Scientific Goals

DYNAMIC aims to provide comprehensive measurements of the upper atmosphere in very low Earth orbit, below 150 miles. By studying space weather events and their impact on technology, the mission will enhance our understanding of Earth and space interactions. Nicola Fox from NASA emphasized the interconnectedness of Earth and space, from the sun's core to the outer limits of the heliosphere.

Tomoko Matsuo, the principal investigator of the DYNAMIC mission, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore the critical link between Earth's atmosphere and space. The project's completion will shed light on how space weather conditions affect the uppermost regions of Earth's atmosphere, benefiting both scientific research and technological advancements. The team's collaborative efforts and comprehensive approach are essential in advancing our understanding of space weather and its implications for Earth.