The night sky phenomenon known as Steve, or Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, along with the luminous green “picket fence,” are distinct forms of illuminance that often appear disguised as auroras. Contrary to the popular belief that they are auroras, a recent study led by Claire Gasque, a graduate student in physics at the University of California, Berkeley, challenges this notion.
Gasque, along with researchers from the university’s Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL), is proposing a NASA rocket launch into the heart of the aurora to investigate the nature of Steve and the picket fence. This marks a departure from the traditional understanding of auroras and aims to uncover the unique processes responsible for these luminous phenomena.
The appearance of Steve and the picket fence is becoming more frequent due to the sun entering an active phase of its 11-year solar cycle, marked by increased solar storms and coronal mass ejections. The unique physics behind the picket fence were detailed in a recent paper by Gasque, challenging existing models of light creation and energy generation in auroras.
Gasque’s calculations suggest that, in a region of the upper atmosphere farther south than where traditional auroras form, electric fields aligned with Earth’s magnetic field could produce the distinct color spectrum seen in the picket fence. This revelation challenges previous assumptions about the mechanisms responsible for the luminosity of auroras.
Brian Harding, an SSL assistant research physicist and co-author of the paper, highlighted the significance of Gasque’s findings, noting that the Steve spectrum indicates exotic physics at play. Gasque’s work identifies parallel electric fields as a potential explanation for this unique spectrum, offering a new perspective on the atmospheric processes leading to these captivating light displays.
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