Scientists Discover Invisible Ambipolar Electric Field Around Earth for the First Time

Groundbreaking research detected and measured for the first time the invisible electric field that surrounds Earth-the bipolar field-whose discovery now, more than 60 years since it was first theorized, marked a serious breakthrough in the understanding of Earth's atmospheric dynamics. That is, until astronomer Glyn Collinson and his team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center broke through, now fully opening the door to new ways to study just how these fields impact planetary atmospheres and may shape other celestial bodies.

Understanding the Ambipolar Fields

Polarity fields were previously thought to exist in the ionosphere, a region of the atmosphere ionized by the sun and ultraviolet light, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) above Earth's surface. This field is created by the interaction of negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions. When ultraviolet light ionizes atmospheric atoms, a mixture of free electrons and ions is created. The polar field balances these particles, causing electrons to try to escape into space and ions to be pulled back toward Earth, creating a stabilizing force.

How this field was discovered

The field was discovered by the Endurance rocket, which launched in May 2022. The rocket reached an altitude of 768.03 kilometers and returned to Earth with valuable data. The mission aimed to measure the small changes in electrical potential associated with the polar fields. Despite the weak field strength, a change of just 0.55 volts was detected  equivalent to the charge in a watch battery - and this one-minute measurement was enough to confirm the existence of a bipolar field and its effect on the polar winds. 

Aperture The polar field plays an important role in controlling the density and composition of the atmosphere. It helps control the height at which ions are emitted into space, thereby affecting the overall structure of the atmosphere.  Detection of this magnetic field provides insight into how Earth's atmosphere maintains charge neutrality and how particles are transported off the planet. It also influences polar winds, the outflow of particles from Earth's atmosphere observed at the poles.

 Consequences for future research

Although the direct conclusions are promising, this discovery is only the beginning. The wider consequences of the ambipolar field are always studied. The researchers want to understand how long this magnetic field has been around, how it influences the evolution of the atmosphere, and its potential impact on life on Earth. Glyn Collinson points out that measuring this field can allow scientists to ask new questions about Earth's atmospheric processes and planetary science in general. 

"This advancement provides scientists with a greater understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that control Earth's atmosphere, and may enable them to apply this knowledge to other planets with atmospheres. The discovery of the polar fields is a major milestone in planetary science, paving the way for future research and understanding of the forces that shape our world."