For centuries, scientists have been trying to understand the forces that shape our planet. While Earth’s gravitational pull and magnetic field should be familiar enough, scientists say they have discovered a third field that is “equally fundamental.” Moreover, the researchers say the discovery could explain why life originated on Earth and not elsewhere. NASA researchers have found the first evidence of a thin, almost imperceptible electric field surrounding the planet. This “ambipolar electric field” may be responsible for the mysterious winds of supersonic particles that constantly blast out from the Earth’s poles. Already in the 1960s, spacecraft encountered a mysterious phenomenon: supersonic streams of charged particles escaping from the atmosphere above the poles. Science could not explain their origin. ​Now NASA researchers have provided evidence of an “ambipolar electric field” — an invisible force that may be driving these mysterious winds. Like a huge invisible shield, this field holds the atmosphere together and influences its formation. But until recently, the technology to measure this field simply didn’t exist. Starting in 2016, researchers began developing a rocket that could measure what they believed to be tiny voltage differences over hundreds of miles. They sent the Endurance rocket over the North Pole. It was a risky mission, because the rocket had to hit the exact spot where the Earth’s magnetic field lines were “open” and allowed the invisible field to be “seen.” “Endurance” did its job – it measured the invisible shield. The force measured by scientists was negligible – only 0.55 volts. But over a huge area, this field is capable of exerting a powerful effect. Since this field was discovered only recently, researchers are not yet sure what impact it may have had on the development of the Earth. But there are suggestions that this field is one of the reasons why there is still water on Earth, while planets like Venus and Mars have dried up. The discovery of the ambipolar field is not only a breakthrough in our understanding of our planet, but also the key to deciphering the mystery of life on other planets. We can now study the invisible forces that shape the universe and get closer to answering the question: are we alone? The post NASA have discovered an invisible electric field surrounding the Earth appeared first on Anomalien.com.

A massive solar flare is set to impact Earth later this week following a powerful eruption on the Sun on Tuesday evening, October 3rd. This isn’t the first time in 2024 we’ve faced solar flare activity. Back in May, a solar storm hit after a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) resulted from two large sunspots merging. That event lit up the skies with the Northern Lights. Now, we’re preparing for the impact of another solar storm. NASA reports that Sunspot AR3842, a rapidly growing region with intense magnetic fields, has unleashed the second-strongest flare we’ve seen in the last five years. Solar flares are categorized by intensity, with the strongest labeled as X-class. These flares have the potential to cause significant disruptions, including radio blackouts, satellite damage, and even power grid failures. Tuesday’s flare was rated X7.1, only slightly less intense than the X8.9 flare from May. The flare has already caused a brief radio blackout over Hawaii and launched a CME into space. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts this CME will collide with Earth’s magnetic field by Saturday, October 5th. When CMEs hit Earth, they can trigger geomagnetic storms, which not only create stunning auroras like the Northern Lights but can also disrupt satellite communications and potentially cause power grid failures. This latest event is a reminder that the Sun is currently in its “solar maximum” phase, the most active part of its 11-year cycle. Scientists originally predicted this peak of solar activity to occur in July 2025, but solar flares have been increasing at an accelerated rate, leading experts to reconsider their timeline. In 2024 alone, we’ve already experienced 41 X-class solar flares—more than the total number seen in the past nine years combined, according to spaceweather.com. Typically, we only see about 10 X-class flares a year. With solar maximum expected to last at least another year, we’re likely to see more intense solar activity, bringing with it the risk of additional geomagnetic storms and the associated disruptions. So, brace yourselves for what could be a wild ride over the coming days as space weather once again shows its power. The post Brace for Impact: Massive Solar Flare to Hit Earth appeared first on Anomalien.com.

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Not the reaction he imagined. The post Jeff Lynne on the “disappointing” ELO album ‘Zoom’ first appeared on Far Out Magazine.