NASA Discovers a Long-Sought Global Electric Field on Earth

NASA has successfully detected Earth's ambipolar electric field, a long-sought phenomenon first hypothesized over 60 years ago. This weak, planet-wide electric field is fundamental to Earth's atmospheric dynamics, similar to gravity and magnetic fields. It plays a crucial role in the "polar wind," a continuous outflow of charged particles from the atmosphere into space, particularly above the North and South Poles. The Endurance mission, which launched a suborbital rocket from Svalbard, Norway, measured this electric field for the first time, confirming its existence and quantifying its strength. The findings indicate that the ambipolar electric field helps lift charged particles higher into the atmosphere, influencing atmospheric escape and the structure of the ionosphere. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Earth's atmospheric evolution but also suggests that similar electric fields may exist on other planets, potentially aiding in the search for extraterrestrial life. The research was published in the journal Nature on August 28, 2024.

- NASA has confirmed the existence of Earth's ambipolar electric field, crucial for atmospheric dynamics.

- The ambipolar electric field drives the polar wind, facilitating the escape of charged particles into space.

- The Endurance mission successfully measured this electric field from a suborbital rocket launched in the Arctic.

- Understanding this electric field may provide insights into the atmospheres of other planets, including Venus and Mars.

- The findings could reshape our knowledge of atmospheric evolution on Earth and beyond.