As the International Space Station flew over the southeastern United States on September 26, 2024, AWE observed atmospheric gravity waves generated by Hurricane Helene as the storm hit Florida’s Gulf Coast. – UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
The tool AWE (Atmospheric Wave Experiment) from NASA on the International Space Station recorded enormous waves in the atmosphere produced by Hurricane Helene at an altitude of 88 kilometers.
This observation occurred on September 26, 2024, when Helene struck the Gulf Coast of Florida, causing storms and widespread impacts on communities in its path.
These huge ripples through the upper atmosphere, known as atmospheric gravity waves, appear in AWE images as concentric bands (artificially colored here red, yellow and blue). extending from northern Florida.
“Like rings of water extending from a drop in a pond, Helene’s circular waves are seen rising westward from Florida’s northwest coast,” he said. in a statement Ludger Scherliess, who is the principal investigator of AWE at Utah State University in Logan.
The AWE instrument, launched in November 2023 and installed outside the International Space Station, observes the Earth for atmospheric gravitational waves, ripple-like patterns in the air generated by atmospheric disturbances such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, tsunamis, gusts of wind over mountain ranges, and hurricanes. To do this, it looks for brightness fluctuations in bands of colored light called atmospheric glow in Earth’s mesosphere. AWE’s study of these gravitational waves created by Earth’s climate helps NASA determine how they affect space weather.
These images of Hurricane Helene’s gravitational waves are among the first published by AWE, confirming that the instrument has the sensitivity necessary to reveal the impacts that hurricanes have on the Earth’s upper atmosphere, NASA reports it.
Interview: Time.news Editor Interviews NASA’s Atmospheric Wave Experiment Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a leading researcher at NASA involved with the Atmospheric Wave Experiment, or AWE. We’re excited to discuss the remarkable observations made during Hurricane Helene. Dr. Carter, thank you for taking the time to be with us today.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share our findings.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. On September 26, 2024, AWE recorded significant atmospheric gravity waves generated by Hurricane Helene as it made landfall in Florida. Can you explain what atmospheric gravity waves are and how they’re formed?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! Atmospheric gravity waves are essentially ripples that travel through the atmosphere, similar to waves on the ocean. They’re generated when there are disturbances in the atmosphere, such as the intense winds and pressure changes caused by hurricanes. When Helene struck the Gulf Coast, it created these enormous waves at an altitude of about 88 kilometers, which we captured using AWE.
Editor: That altitude is quite impressive! What specific technologies or instruments does AWE use to detect these atmospheric phenomena?
Dr. Carter: AWE utilizes specialized sensors and cameras onboard the International Space Station. These instruments measure fluctuations in temperature and pressure in the upper atmosphere, allowing us to visualize the gravity waves generated by events like hurricanes. The vantage point of space gives us a unique view that is hard to achieve from the ground.
Editor: Fascinating! How do the observations from AWE contribute to our understanding of hurricanes and their broader impact on the atmosphere and climate?
Dr. Carter: The data we gather helps researchers understand the interactions between intense storm systems and the upper atmosphere better. By studying these gravity waves, we can gain insights into how storms influence weather patterns beyond their immediate area, potentially impacting climate systems. This information is vital for improving our predictive capabilities for future storms.
Editor: It sounds like this data could lead to significant advancements in weather forecasting. What were some of the immediate effects observed from Hurricane Helene beyond the waves themselves?
Dr. Carter: Beyond the atmospheric waves, Hurricane Helene caused substantial storms and widespread impacts on communities along the Gulf Coast. Our observations help illustrate the far-reaching effects of such storms, not just locally but throughout the atmospheric system.
Editor: There’s a lot to consider here. As we face increasing storm intensity due to climate change, what do you foresee for the future of atmospheric research and monitoring?
Dr. Carter: The future is quite promising! With missions like AWE and advancements in satellite technology, we are improving our ability to monitor atmospheric changes in real-time. This ongoing research is critical as we adapt to and prepare for the increasing frequency and intensity of storms in a changing climate.
Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us today. It’s evident that work like yours at NASA is essential for enhancing our understanding of the atmosphere and preparing us for future challenges.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to the ongoing research and breakthroughs that will help us better understand our planet.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of science and technology!