The Northern Lights are magnificent events that grace Earth's skies with their spectacular displays. Much has been said about them since their discovery, and they remain a subject of constant study. But have you ever wondered if they exist beyond Earth? The Rosetta Mission may answer that question.
Each space mission aims to learn more about certain aspects of the cosmos and the objects that make it up. An example of this are the popular and highly acclaimed comets, mysterious fleeting entities with endless characteristics to discover. One of the most recent discoveries is its northern lights, but is it really true?
You might also be interested in our article: Northern Lights: What are they and how are they formed?
The Rosetta Mission: An important commitment proposed by ESA
Source: The Confidential
With the primary goal of studying comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko , the European Space Agency launched the Rosetta probe in 2004. Its design consisted of a module specially adapted to approach the comet's surface while minimizing potential damage.
Initially, the main destination of the Rosetta Mission was a different comet than the one planned, but due to problems with the launch, this event was postponed. Then, with the necessary adjustments made, the space probe was ready to set sail again. This time, with a new objective to carry out the study.
The proposal involved making contact with the aforementioned comet between 2014 and 2015. Once in position on the surface of this cosmic body, the lander, named Philae, would deploy a vast array of experimental equipment.
The main instrument was used to collect as much material and information as possible about 67P. The goal? To obtain materials, gases, and other compounds from the comet for study.
The success of the Rosetta Mission would mark a historic milestone in the scientific community, as such an ambitious goal had never been attempted before. In fact, the only known precedents were simple flybys around the orbit of a comet , but nothing that established direct contact.
All comets remain practically virgin since the dawn of the solar system, that is, they have not undergone any metamorphosis since then. And even if they have them, they are scarce; therefore, delving into them is a giant step to go beyond the tip of the iceberg in the middle of an immense ocean.
The Northern Lights: A Chance Discovered by the Rosetta Mission
A pivotal event for the research was the detection of electromagnetic images by the probe's ultraviolet sensor. Until now, the only objects capable of emitting such cosmic displays were planets or moons.
However, to the surprise of many, the Northern Lights are most likely also present on comets. Thanks to the discovery made by the Rosetta probe, a new horizon has been discovered almost unexpectedly, but it can be positive.
At first, it was thought to be the typical cometary "coma ," but further investigation into its formation led to a different conclusion. The glow surrounding comet 67P was classified as unique and distinct, a phenomenon never before observed in this type of object. In general terms, it follows almost the same formation process as the aurora borealis on Earth.
In short, to summarize all the reactions that occur, basically solar wind and particles impact Earth's magnetic field at high speed. These particles are electrically charged, so the collision creates a light effect widely known to many.
Applying these concepts to the comet, the only noticeable difference is that these solar particles collide directly with the gases of the coma. In other words, the solar wind, charged with electrons, directly impacts the gaseous emissions of 67P-CG.
The result is the "rupture" of water and other components, generating the distinctive effect of the aurora borealis. This anecdote helps us understand the behavior of the solar climate and its development in cold space , serving as a bridge for the protection of future missions.
Enchanted with the theme? Delve into other discoveries from the Rosetta Mission!
Source: The Confidential
If you were amazed by the fact that auroras exist on comets, wait until you discover the rest of the information Rosetta brought back. However, it's not a simple matter, since, initially, the ESA was heavily criticized for its lack of transparency. The data collected by the Rosetta probe wasn't published in detail , increasing public discontent.
Of course, it was alleged that the discoveries of the Rosetta Mission could not be fully revealed until some time after their analysis due to internal politics. However, this is precisely what is known thanks to the collaboration of NASA at present.
Controversy regarding the origin of water on Earth
Several theories and hypotheses suggest that Earth's water originated from the impact of ancient asteroids and comets on the planet's surface. However, upon closer examination of the comet's water composition, the results completely shattered this initial premise.
The components of the water on asteroid 67P are completely different from those found on Earth, which has narrowed the spectrum of its possible origins. It is now believed that the water comes primarily from asteroids. This finding is also related to the study of the conditions on other celestial objects.
Do comets have their own magnetic field?
Another widely held theory was the belief that small cosmic bodies, such as comets, possessed their own magnetic fields. This was quickly disproven by an experiment conducted by the Philae lander , which concluded that the only magnetism present was that produced by the solar wind.
Are comets responsible for the origin of life? This is what is known!
Among other discoveries of the Rosetta Mission, but no less important, were genetic materials essential for life. Within the structure of comet 67P, an amino acid essential for protein synthesis, glycine, was found. Furthermore, excavations revealed the presence of phosphorus , an important component of cell membranes and DNA in general.
