Scientists solve 30-year-old aurora borealis mystery

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THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) is funded by NASA. (Credit: NASAJPLGSFC UCB)
THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) is funded by NASA. (Credit: NASA/JPL/GSFC, UCB)
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UCLA space scientists and colleagues have identified the mechanism that triggers substorms in space; wreaks havoc on satellites, power grids and communications systems; and leads to the explosive release of energy that causes the spectacular brightening of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.


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