NASA rocket takes first multi-point look inside radio-disrupting clouds

NASA's SpEED Demon rocket took the first multi-point look inside sporadic E layers, a radio-disrupting phenomenon that forms in the ionosphere. The mission, led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, used a sounding rocket equipped with five detectors to sample the layers simultaneously, revealing unexpected complexity for the first time. The results, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, show that sporadic E layers are not uniform but instead interact with neutral wind and atmospheric turbulence, creating a structure similar to a cinnamon roll. The data also indicated that the layers split into two peaks, consistent with Kelvin–Helmholtz billows. The mission marked a significant advancement in understanding these layers, as it provided the first concurrent, multipoint view inside them. The technique, involving dropsondes, allows for more accurate measurements and a better understanding of how these layers affect radio signals.

The SpEED Demon mission was the first to deploy ejectable probes, called dropsondes, inside sporadic E layers. The probes, which measured plasma along their own tracks, sampled the layer in five places at the same time, providing a more comprehensive view than previous methods. The data revealed that the layers are not smooth but instead have a structured, uneven appearance, shaped by turbulent winds. The mission's findings suggest that sporadic E layers are becoming more predictable, with peak occurrence in local summer. The results are expected to help improve radio communication and GPS accuracy, as sporadic E layers can cause signal disruptions. The mission also demonstrated the effectiveness of the dropsonde technique, and the team plans to use it again in future studies, including during solar eclipses. The methodology is likely to contribute to a more complete understanding of these radio-disrupting clouds.

AI-generated summary of the original article — see the source for the full story.