Central Idea
- NASA is set to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) to investigate how Earth’s weather influences Space weather.
What is AWE Mission?
- As part of NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, the AWE mission aims to shed light on the interactions between Earth’s weather and Space weather.
- Mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), AWE will observe Earth’s airglow bands from an exceptional viewpoint.
- AWE will analyze airglow in the mesopause region (about 85-87 km above Earth) to understand AGW behavior and its influence on Space weather.
- The mission includes the Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT) to precisely map temperature variations in the mesopause, revealing airglow dynamics.
Space Weather Explained
- Space weather, much like Earth’s weather, is influenced by solar activities like flares and emissions, and it impacts the surrounding cosmic environment.
- Variations in Space weather can disrupt essential services on Earth, including satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids.
- Interestingly, Earth’s own weather conditions also significantly affect Space weather, creating a complex interplay between our planet and the cosmos.
How do Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGWs) impact space weather?
- Nature’s Oscillations: AGWs are similar to ripples caused by a stone thrown into a pond. They are vertical waves generated by sudden atmospheric changes or extreme weather, causing air to move up and down.
- Various Sources: AGWs originate from events like thunderstorms and hurricanes, and they travel from the lower atmosphere to Space, influencing Space weather.
- Thriving in Stability: AGWs are most prominent in stable atmospheric conditions, where they create wave-like patterns due to temperature differences in rising air.
- Vital Atmospheric Profiling: To fully understand AGWs and their impact on terrestrial and Space weather, detailed data on the atmosphere’s vertical profile is essential.
