Science & Tech · Space · 17 hrs ago
Study identifies seasonal weak spots in Earth's magnetic shield
Researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland used a computer model to study waves where the solar wind meets Earth's magnetic field.
The field, called the magnetosphere, deflects much of the stream of charged particles from the Sun.
The waves, known as Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, put more pressure on some parts of the shield than others instead of forming evenly around Earth.
The strongest activity occurs in the hemisphere experiencing winter, and the solar wind's magnetic field affects whether it is concentrated on the dawn or dusk side.
High-latitude regions face greater risk during their winter: the UK, Canada and Norway between December and February, and New Zealand, Chile and South Africa between June and August.
Solar storms can disrupt satellites, radio links and electricity networks, and the findings may help explain why their effects vary by region; the researchers gave no next steps.
Researchers from the University of Oulu found that activity in waves at the edge of Earth's magnetic field is stronger in the winter hemisphere.
The waves, called Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, can put more pressure on the magnetosphere in some regions than others.
The study used a computer model of the entire magnetosphere because satellites rarely pass through its most active areas.
The findings suggest high-latitude countries face greater solar-storm risk during their winter, while low-latitude nations face more risk during the austral winter.
Powerful solar storms can disrupt satellites, radio communications, navigation systems and electricity networks.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland, led by Dr Lauri Holappa.
- What
- A study found that activity in waves at the edge of Earth's magnetic field is stronger in the winter hemisphere.
- When
- The article was published on October 15, 2026. It says high-latitude regions face greater risk from December to February, and low-latitude nations during June to August.
- Where
- The magnetosphere around Earth; the researchers say the seasonal risk varies by hemisphere.
- Why
- The waves form as solar wind brushes against the edge of Earth's magnetic field, and their activity is unevenly distributed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dr Lauri Holappa noticed unusual simulation images of the magnetosphere while visiting NASA as a postdoctoral researcher.
The Daily Mail published an account of the study and its findings.
- Lead institution
- University of Oulu, Finland
- Wave type
- Kelvin-Helmholtz waves
- High-latitude risk period
- December to February
- Low-latitude risk period
- June to August
- Study method
- Computer model of the entire magnetosphere
What people are saying
In 2020, when I was visiting NASA as a postdoctoral researcher, I noticed unusual simulation images of the magnetosphere.
I later realised that they showed Kelvin–Helmholtz waves at the edge of the magnetosphere, and that the different behaviour of the waves on different sides was part of the same phenomenon.