Spacecraft observations and model simulations provide new insights into tidal patterns that transport momentum and energy into the planet’s upper atmosphere.
Thermosphere: energy deposition
Posted inResearch Spotlights
The Thermosphere Responds to a Weaker Than Normal Solar Cycle
Infrared emissions from nitric oxide and carbon dioxide in Earth’s upper atmosphere, which are closely tied to incoming solar radiation, are drastically lower than in the previous solar cycle.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Windy Weather in the Thermosphere
The weather in the thermosphere includes winds that buffet spacecraft as they orbit the Earth, but how well can these winds be modeled?
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Tides and Waves Interact to Cause Hurricanes in Near-Space
The interaction of tides and waves generated in the lower atmosphere can cause the mean zonal wind speed in the lower ionosphere to oscillate equivalent to a category 1 hurricane at Earth’s surface.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
What Causes Nitric Oxide to Infiltrate the Ozone Layer?
Processes in the polar atmosphere can cause nitric oxide (NO)-enriched air to descend and destroy stratospheric ozone. Scientists explore one cause of these NO fluxes, stratospheric sudden warming.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Upper Atmosphere Has Cooled Steadily for Three Decades
Scientists projected that the upper atmosphere would continue to cool and contract with rising greenhouse gas emissions. Now, these projections have been confirmed for the first time.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Role of Lunar Atmospheric Tides in Thermosphere Density
Researchers explored how lunar gravity affects the density of the thermosphere. The study could help improve the accuracy of satellite orbit predictions.