Earth’s polar magnetic field rang like a bell.The off-center impact of the solar wind caused something unusual to happen.On Feb. 22nd, the magnetic field around our observatory as measured by ground currents was swinging back an forth with a 100 second period.
source: spaceweather / image: Oliver Wright
This very stable oscillation went on for more than an hour.Was guiding for Lights Over Lapland tonight and we where treated to a fantastic geomagnetic storm. I used my Canon 5Div to film it real time hand held.This very stable oscillation went on for more than an hour.
Researchers call these pure ultra-low frequency oscillations “pulsations continuous” (Pc). Pc waves energize particles in Earth’s inner magnetosphere because they resonate with the natural motion of particles around the geomagnetic field.
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This energy, in turn, can supercharge the aurora borealis.Indeed, hours after the Pc waves were observed, auroras exploded over Arctic Scandinavia. In Abisko, Sweden, Oliver Wright recorded three minutes of the display.Indeed, hours after the Pc waves were observed, auroras exploded over Arctic Scandinavia. In Abisko, Sweden, Oliver Wright recorded three minutes of the display.
