Jupiter also intervenes
The solar wind - electrically charged particles that our sun throws into space - is not only responsible for the play of colors in the northern lights. It sometimes disturbs the connection to satellites and even radio traffic on earth. However, high-energy electrons not only arrive from the sun, but also from Jupiter. Not only the sun, but also the gas giant Jupiter is bombarding the earth with high-energy electrons. As researchers from the University of Colorado discovered, the particles are accelerated by the magnetosphere of the largest planet in the solar system and are also transported towards Earth. Since these particles can damage instruments on satellites and spacecraft, scientists also call them "killer electrons".
The researchers base their statements on measurements by NASA's Sampex and ISTP satellites, among other things. According to this, the Jupiter electrons have even more energy when they arrive on Earth than electrons that come from solar flares. Their effects are particularly noticeable in periods when the sun is relatively calm. This is the case approximately every 13 months. "While the Sun dominates the flow of energy to Earth's magnetic poles, as that source weakens, the stream of particles from Jupiter takes over," explained Daniel Baker of the University of Colorado.
High-energy electrons, they race through space at almost the speed of light, have caused satellite failures several times in recent years, according to the American Astronomical Society. However, they can also endanger other spacecraft and lead to interference in radio and electricity networks on earth.
