In an unexpected turn of events, a temporary third Van Allen belt formed around Earth in 2024, marking a significant development in space science. The Van Allen belts, traditionally comprising two donut-shaped bands of energetic particles, experienced the formation of a temporary third belt following a powerful solar storm. The storm, the strongest in the past two decades, ignited impressive auroras visible as far south as Florida on May 10, 2024. This event underscores the dynamic interactions between solar activity and Earth's magnetic environment.
The Van Allen belts are essential components of Earth's magnetosphere, consisting of trapped protons and electrons originating from the sun. They are divided into two main regions: an inner belt located approximately 6,000 to 12,000 kilometers above Earth's surface and an outer belt between 25,000 and 45,000 kilometers. Historically, the region between these belts remains largely empty. However, in 2012, a temporary third belt appeared for about four weeks, triggered by a solar storm. In 2024, a similar belt re-emerged but demonstrated surprising persistence this time around.
A tiny satellite launched in April 2023 played a crucial role in studying the inner radiation belt's formation and behavior. While the satellite functioned effectively for a year, it abruptly went silent in April 2024. Remarkably, it resumed operations in June 2024, providing valuable insights into the phenomenon. The 2024 temporary third belt comprised two distinct bands: one primarily consisting of electrons and the other of protons. Notably, the electron band persisted for approximately three months, whereas the proton band may endure for close to a year.
The temporary third belt was triggered by a solar storm, raising concerns for satellites in geostationary orbits that could face increased exposure to charged particles. The slot zone, where many satellites operate temporarily, has also become a potential problem area due to heightened radiation levels. Space scientist Xinlin Li emphasized the importance of considering additional radiation belts in future engineering efforts.
“We still can’t identify exactly what caused it,” Li says.
Li expressed frustration at missing the opportunity to capture the aurora event with the satellite, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and research.
“People were excited to see the aurora in Boulder, and I didn’t care.” He just wished the satellite had been there to capture it.
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