The ozone layer in our atmosphere is destroyed by an aurora type known as the "Isolated Proton Aurora" according to research conducted by a global team of scientists.
According to Interesting Engineering, scientists discovered a huge ozone hole directly above an auroral occurrence. Up until recently, the effects of these particles had only been vaguely understood.
Auroras Can Cause 400-Kilometer-Wide Ozone Layer Hole
A study found that isolated proton aurora produced an ozone layer hole immediately below the auroral area that was roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) broad.
When the researchers compared their results to models, they found that the shift was far more significant than they had anticipated. After 90 minutes, up to 10 to 60 percent of the ozone had disappeared. The speed and scope of these consequences astounded scientists.
The ozone layer is harmed by auroras, although it's essential to keep in mind that the damage only extends to the mesosphere's ozone layer, and the tear heals quickly. These auroras do not affect the more important layer of the stratosphere.
Researchers believe that the finding can help forecast Earth's atmosphere changes and space weather fluctuations.
An aurora borealis, also known as Northern Lights, illuminates the night sky above the Kellostapuli Fell in Kolari, Finnish Lapland, early on January 15, 2022.
ALSO READ: Aurora Borealis Forecast Dashboard: When and Where Can You See the Northern Lights?
What To Expect From Solar Storms?
Solar storms cause enormous clouds of electrically charged particles to be emitted on the surface of the sun. After traveling millions of kilometers, some of these particles may ultimately collide with the Earth.
The Earth's magnetic field deflects the majority of these particles, but some get captured. When they are trapped, their charge ionizes the surroundings, causing nitrogen oxides and hydrogen oxides to be produced.
The precise mechanism by which high-energy plasma particles deplete the ozone layer is yet unclear. These particles are hard to find because they are invisible to the naked eye.
On the other hand, the solitary proton aurora that results from these charged particles interacting with the upper atmosphere falls toward Earth.
"Isolated proton auroras can be observed by scientific all-sky cameras," said Kazuo Shiokawa, a professor at the Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research at Nagoya University, in a statement.
The ozone changes beneath the single proton aurora were observed by researchers to assess the impact of radiation-belt electrons. To locate electrons across the aurora, the researchers used data from the International Space Station with ground-based electromagnetic wave analyses and satellite remote sensing.
"This study revealed that radiation belt electrons falling into the atmosphere from space around the Earth have a rapid and localized effect on the composition of the microatmosphere, including ozone," the statement continued.
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