Space Hurricane

Why in news?

• For the first time ever, scientists have confirmed the existence of space hurricanes high above the north pole.
• Before this discovery, space hurricanes were just a theoretical concept that scientists believed existed outside of a large number of planets.

What is Space Hurricane?

• A space hurricane is a form of environmental phenomenon where instead of wind and rain, charged electrons and plasma make up the majority of the storm.
• Just like Terrestrial hurricanes, it was shaped like a funnel with a quiet 'eye' at the centre surrounded by large amounts of plasma arms spinning counter-clockwise.
• The space hurricane rained down electrons into the  Earth's upper atmosphere.
•  Until now, it was thought to be a theoretical event, but scientists at the Shandong University in China were the first to observe and record this real space hurricane event.
• As per their report, the hurricane measured roughly 600 miles across and rained down charged electrons for as long as eight hours.
• The space hurricane spun counter clockwise at speeds up to 4,700 miles per hour. The hurricane was reported in space directly above the North Pole.
• Four satellites passing over the North Pole detected the space hurricane.

How Do Space Hurricanes Form?

• The event resulted from a complex interaction between incoming solar winds containing plasma and the magnetic field of the Earth.
• These weather systems that cause space hurricanes can occur on any planets than have a magnetic and a large amount of solar plasma in their atmosphere.
• Space hurricanes are not dangerous to humans as they are many kilometres above the surface of the Earth, but they can end up disrupting a lot of things.
• Space hurricanes can impact existing weather conditions, damage any satellites that cross their paths and can also disrupt GPS and radio communication systems.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Space hurricanes and identify the correct ones:
1.It consists of charged electron particles.
2.They are absent over earths atmosphere.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question