Unraveling the Mysterious 'Steve' Phenomenon: Not Your Average Aurora
A recent study suggests that the phenomenon known as STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) and the accompanying picket fence-like streaks of light are produced by low-altitude electric fields parallel to Earth's magnetic field, rather than by the same processes that create auroras. These unique light displays occur at lower latitudes and emit different colors than auroras. The study's findings could help researchers understand unknown physical processes in Earth's atmosphere, and future research aims to measure the strength and direction of the electric and magnetic fields by launching a rocket through these phenomena.
