Scientists Discover 'Killer Electrons' Farther Than Ever From Earth

CNChina|

A new study led by Beihang University scientists reveals that "chorus waves," which produce dangerously high-energy electrons, have been detected more than three times further from Earth than previously thought—at an astonishing distance of 165,000 kilometers (approximately 102,500 miles). These findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that chorus waves can be generated by changes in magnetic field frequencies, rather than only near planetary magnetic fields, according to co-author James Burch, principal investigator of NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission.

Previously, researchers detected chorus waves only at a maximum distance of 51,000 kilometers (about 32,000 miles). These high-speed, energy-laden particles can penetrate spacecraft shielding, posing a significant risk for human spaceflight missions to destinations like the Moon and Mars. “This is a new source of energetic electrons that we didn’t know about that can occur everywhere,” Burch stated, emphasizing the implications for future exploration. Understanding the behavior of these particles will be crucial for ensuring the safety of astronauts in deep space.

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