Summary:
- NASA's Heliophysics Division studies the Sun and its influence on the solar system, including Earth. However, the article highlights 5 surprising discoveries from this field that are not directly related to the Sun.
- One discovery is the detection of high-energy electrons in Earth's atmosphere, which can affect satellite operations and astronaut safety. Another is the discovery of magnetic reconnection in Earth's magnetosphere, a process that can cause auroras and disrupt communications.
- The article also discusses the discovery of plasma waves in Earth's radiation belts, the detection of plasma bubbles in the upper atmosphere, and the observation of electrical currents flowing between Earth and the Moon. These findings have expanded our understanding of the complex interactions between the Sun, Earth, and the space environment.