As you gaze up at the night sky, you’ve likely marveled at the breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. But what if you were told that there’s a new player in town, one that’s rewriting the rules of this celestial spectacle? Meet STEVE, a recently discovered aurora that’s sending shockwaves through the scientific community.
This enigmatic phenomenon appears as a narrow, crimson-hued ribbon dancing across the sky, leaving astronomers and enthusiasts alike wondering: what is STEVE, and how does it differ from its more famous counterpart? Buckle up, because as we investigate into the mysteries of STEVE, you’ll discover a world of wonder and awe that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the Northern Lights.
Key Takeaways:
- STEVE, short for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, is a newly discovered aurora-like phenomenon that is redefining our understanding of the Northern Lights.
- STEVE was discovered in 2016 by a group of citizen scientists and astronomers, led by Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, who were studying the Northern Lights in Canada. It appears as a narrow, purple ribbon-like structure that streaks across the sky, distinct from the typical greenish-blue hues of the Northern Lights.
- STEVE is a rare phenomenon because it is not caused by the same particles from the solar wind that create the Northern Lights. Instead, it is thought to be caused by a thermal emission process, where heated oxygen atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere emit light, making it a unique spectacle that is not technically an aurora.
Additional information:
STEVE is typically visible at lower latitudes than the Northern Lights, around 45° to 50° north, and is most active around midnight.
STEVE is different from the Northern Lights because of its unique color, shape, and altitude. While the Northern Lights are typically greenish-blue and appear as diffuse curtains of light, STEVE is a narrow, purple ribbon that appears at a higher altitude.
The exact cause of STEVE is still not fully understood, but scientists believe it may be related to a combination of factors, including the Earth’s magnetic field, the solar wind, and the temperature of the atmosphere.
Unveiling STEVE
Your journey to unravel the mysteries of STEVE begins here. Get ready to explore into the fascinating world of this newly discovered aurora.
What is STEVE in Northern Lights?
STEVE, a Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, is a rare and mesmerizing atmospheric phenomenon that appears as a narrow, ribbon-like streak of purple and green light in the night sky. Unlike the Northern Lights, STEVE doesn’t dance across the horizon; instead, it remains stationary, hovering above the landscape.
The Origin of STEVE: Discovery and Meaning
Unveiling the secrets of STEVE, scientists have traced its discovery back to 2016, when a group of citizen scientists and aurora enthusiasts stumbled upon this enigmatic phenomenon in Canada.
This groundbreaking discovery was made possible by the collaboration between the Alberta Aurora Chasers Facebook group and the University of Calgary. The acronym STEVE was coined by the researchers to describe the phenomenon, which is not an aurora borealis (northern lights) at all, but rather a unique spectacle caused by a stream of hot, fast-moving gas particles in the Earth’s magnetic field. These particles interact with the atmosphere, producing the vibrant colors we see in the sky.
The Elusive Phenomenon
The discovery of STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, but this enigmatic phenomenon remains a mystery to many. As you explore deeper into the world of STEVE, you’ll realize that spotting this rare spectacle is no easy feat.
A Rare Sight: Why STEVE is Hard to Spot
An astute observer would need to be at the right place at the right time to witness STEVE, as it appears only at high latitudes, typically between 30° and 60° north of the magnetic equator. This narrow window of visibility makes STEVE a rare and elusive phenomenon.
Where and When to Witness STEVE
STEVE tends to appear in the late evening hours, usually between 20:00 and 01:00 local time, when the sky is dark enough to observe the faint glow.
Another crucial factor in spotting STEVE is the timing of the solar wind. The phenomenon is most active during periods of high solar activity, such as during solar flares and coronal mass ejections. As the solar wind interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, it sets off a chain reaction that ultimately leads to the formation of STEVE.
Distinguishing Features
Keep in mind that STEVE is not just another type of aurora borealis; it’s a distinct phenomenon with its own set of characteristics that set it apart from the traditional Northern Lights.
How STEVE Differs from the Northern Lights
Northerly latitudes are accustomed to witnessing the vibrant displays of the aurora borealis, but STEVE is a different beast altogether. Unlike the Northern Lights, which are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, STEVE is a result of a different atmospheric process, making it a unique and separate entity.
Unique Characteristics of STEVE
With its narrow, ribbon-like structure, STEVE is an otherworldly sight that has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Lights dancing across the night sky are a common occurrence in the auroral zone, but STEVE’s appearance is particularly rare and fleeting. The phenomenon is so elusive that it has only been observed a handful of times since its discovery in 2016 by a group of citizen scientists and aurora enthusiasts.
The acronym STEVE stands for “Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement,” which refers to the unusual thermal activity that occurs in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the spectacular display. This thermal activity is thought to be triggered by a burst of energetic particles from the Earth’s magnetosphere, which sets STEVE apart from traditional aurorae.
The Science Behind STEVE
To unravel the mystery of STEVE, let’s probe the scientific explanations behind this phenomenon.
Causes of the Unique Spectacle
Causing quite a stir in the scientific community, STEVE’s origins can be attributed to a stream of energetic particles from the Earth’s magnetosphere, which interact with the atmosphere to produce the vibrant, crimson streaks.
Why STEVE is Not Considered an Aurora
Spectacle aside, STEVE doesn’t fit the traditional definition of an aurora, which is typically characterized by high-energy particles from the solar wind interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
Considered a distinct phenomenon, STEVE is thought to be caused by a different population of particles, which are accelerated by the Earth’s magnetosphere, rather than the solar wind. This unique process results in the characteristic east-west orientation and narrow, ribbon-like structure of STEVE, distinguishing it from the more diffuse, dynamic displays of traditional aurorae.
Note: STEVE stands for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, and it was discovered in 2016 by a team of scientists led by Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald. STEVE appears as a narrow, crimson streak or ribbon in the sky, and it’s relatively rare due to the specific conditions required for its formation. You can spot STEVE in the northern hemisphere, primarily at high latitudes, during periods of high geomagnetic activity.
Observations and Findings
For scientists, understanding STEVE requires a deep probe to the data and observations collected over time.
Documenting STEVE: Photographic Evidence
Images of STEVE provide crucial evidence of its existence and behavior. Captured by citizen scientists and photographers, these images showcase the vibrant, ribbon-like structure of STEVE, often appearing in conjunction with the Northern Lights. Your eyes are drawn to the striking red and purple hues, a stark contrast to the green and blue tones of traditional aurora borealis.
Scientific Analysis of STEVE’s Behavior
The team’s scientific analysis of STEVE’s behavior reveals a complex and dynamic phenomenon. The data suggests that STEVE is not an aurora at all, but rather a unique atmospheric event triggered by a combination of solar wind and magnetospheric interactions.
STEVEs appearances are often preceded by a burst of energetic particles from the sun, which interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. This interaction generates a powerful electrical current, heating the atmosphere and producing the vibrant, narrow streaks of light we see as STEVE. This unusual process sets STEVE apart from traditional aurorae, which are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. Unlike the Northern Lights, STEVE is not confined to the polar regions and can be observed at lower latitudes, making it a rare and exciting sight for many observers.
Implications and Theories
After unraveling the mysteries of STEVE, scientists are now faced with the task of understanding the broader implications of this phenomenon on our knowledge of the Northern Lights.
Rethinking the Northern Lights: STEVE’s Impact on Our Knowledge
Implications of STEVE’s discovery are far-reaching, forcing revisions to our understanding of the aurora borealis. You may have thought you knew the Northern Lights, but STEVE’s existence reveals that there’s still much to be learned about this natural wonder.
Theoretical Explanations for STEVE’s Existence
Rethinking the mechanisms behind STEVE’s formation, scientists propose that it could be the result of a substorm-like event, where a burst of energetic particles interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Plus, researchers suggest that STEVE might be related to a newly discovered type of particle acceleration, which could be responsible for the unique, narrow streaks of light observed in the phenomenon. This acceleration process could be linked to the Earth’s magnetic field and the solar wind, but more research is needed to confirm this theory. As you explore deeper into the world of STEVE, you’ll begin to appreciate the complexity and beauty of this phenomenon.
Where does the name STEVE really come from?
Surprisingly, the original name STEVE had a different hidden meaning than the currently used official acronym. Do you remember the animated film “Over the Hedge”, when animals found a strange scary hedge? They didn’t know what it was and where it came from. To make it less frightening they named it Steve.
You can assume where I am heading with this, right? Exactly, the same happened when this unknown celestial streak of light in the night sky appeared and it came to naming it – Let’s call it STEVE.
Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro
The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.
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Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
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The Northern Lights Forecast and Kp index for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
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Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
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Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun’s activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
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Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
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If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.
- Guides on how to hunt Aurora: Northern Lights Alaska, Northern Lights Canada, Iceland Northern Lights, Norway Northern Lights, Northern Lights Sweden, Finland Northern Lights, Northern Lights Scotland
Final Words
Following this journey into the mystifying realm of STEVE, you now possess a deeper understanding of this enigmatic phenomenon. You’ve learned that STEVE, an acronym for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, was discovered in 2016 by a group of citizen scientists and astronomers. This rare spectacle appears as a narrow, east-west streak of purple and green light, distinct from the undulating curtains of the Northern Lights. You’ve grasped why STEVE is so elusive, only visible at specific latitudes and times. As you gaze up at the night sky, remember that STEVE’s unique beauty is not an aurora, but a separate entity, born from the interaction of hot and cold particles in the Earth’s magnetic field.
FAQ
Q: What is STEVE in Northern Lights?
A: STEVE stands for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, a newly discovered aurora-like phenomenon that is redefining our understanding of the Northern Lights. It was first discovered in 2016 by a group of citizen scientists and aurora enthusiasts in Canada, who noticed a peculiar, narrow ribbon of light in the sky that didn’t fit the typical pattern of the Northern Lights. The acronym STEVE was coined by the scientists who studied the phenomenon, led by Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Q: How does the STEVE phenomenon look like?
A: The STEVE phenomenon appears as a narrow, streak-like feature in the sky, typically ranging from 10 to 20 km wide and stretching for hundreds of kilometers. It glows with a vibrant, crimson-red color, often accompanied by a faint, greenish-blue glow on either side. STEVE can appear alone or alongside the traditional Northern Lights, but its unique shape and color set it apart from the typical auroral displays.
Q: Why is the STEVE phenomenon so rare?
A: The STEVE phenomenon is considered rare because it requires a specific set of atmospheric conditions to occur. It is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of solar wind, magnetosphere, and ionosphere interactions, which create a localized heating effect in the Earth’s atmosphere. This heating causes the atmospheric particles to emit light at a specific wavelength, resulting in the characteristic red glow of STEVE. The exact conditions necessary for STEVE to appear are still not fully understood, making it a challenging phenomenon to predict and study.
Q: Where and when can you see the STEVE phenomenon?
A: The STEVE phenomenon has been observed primarily at high latitudes, between 40° and 60° north, although it can potentially occur at lower latitudes as well. It is most commonly seen in Canada, Alaska, and northern Europe, particularly during periods of high solar activity. STEVE can appear at any time of year, but it is more frequent during the equinoxes in March and September, when the Earth’s magnetic field is tilted at an optimal angle for the necessary atmospheric interactions to occur.
Q: How is STEVE different from the Northern Lights?
A: While both STEVE and the Northern Lights are aurora-like phenomena, they have distinct differences. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the solar wind interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. In contrast, STEVE is thought to be caused by a different mechanism, involving a localized heating effect in the atmosphere. This difference in causation results in STEVE’s unique appearance, color, and behavior, which set it apart from the traditional Northern Lights. Additionally, STEVE does not follow the same patterns of activity as the Northern Lights, making it a distinct and fascinating phenomenon in its own right.
