Infrared radiation in Earth's atmosphere during geomagnetic storm.

Unlocking the Secrets of Space Weather: How Geomagnetic Storms Impact Earth's Atmosphere

Reese Marlowe in Science & Nature June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into the groundbreaking research exploring how solar superstorms affect the upper atmosphere and what it means for our technology and climate."

Geomagnetic storms, triggered by solar wind interactions with Earth’s magnetosphere, create ripples that extend far beyond our planet’s magnetic field. These storms are not just cosmic light shows; they profoundly affect Earth's upper atmosphere, altering its composition and dynamics. Understanding these impacts is crucial for protecting our technologies in space and on the ground.

One key player in this atmospheric drama is nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that helps regulate temperature in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere—regions high above where we live. During geomagnetic storms, the amount of NO can change dramatically, affecting how the atmosphere cools and responds to energy inputs from space.

A recent study published in the 'Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics' sheds light on how NO emissions respond to geomagnetic storms, particularly focusing on the intense November 2004 superstorm. This research, using data from the TIMED-SABER satellite, offers new insights into the diurnal (daily) variations of NO and its role in space weather.

Decoding Nitric Oxide: Why It Matters During Space Storms

Infrared radiation in Earth's atmosphere during geomagnetic storm.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region. Its density not only influences the D region of the ionosphere but also regulates thermospheric temperature during disturbed periods. NO molecules emit infrared radiation at 5.3 µm when colliding with atomic oxygen, acting as a dominant radiative coolant in the thermosphere. This process is often described as a natural thermostat, crucial for maintaining atmospheric equilibrium.

During geomagnetic storms, substantial energy and momentum are deposited into the atmosphere, leading to significant changes in NO concentrations. These changes directly influence the infrared radiative flux (IRF), which is the focus of the featured study. Researchers analyzed how the height distribution of NO IRF varies during the November 2004 superstorm, examining both daytime and nighttime responses.

Data Source: The study utilized data from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument aboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics (TIMED) satellite.
Geographic Focus: Observations were concentrated between 55°N and 55°S latitude to mitigate data gaps from the satellite's asymmetric coverage.
Day/Night Separation: Solar zenith angle (SZA) was used to differentiate between day (SZA < 85°) and night (SZA > 95°) conditions.
Altitude Integration: NO volume emission rate (VER) was integrated from 100 to 280 km, in steps of 30 km above 160 km, to derive NO infrared radiative flux (IRF) values.
Indices: Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters, B₂, and Dst were used to characterize geomagnetic storm conditions.

The researchers found that NO IRF responds differently during day and night, with maximum variations observed below 190 km in altitude. Nighttime NO IRF enhancement was more pronounced than daytime, indicating complex interactions driven by storm dynamics and background atmospheric conditions. These findings underscore the altitude and time-dependent nature of NO responses to geomagnetic disturbances.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Research Matters

Understanding how the upper atmosphere responds to geomagnetic storms is essential for predicting space weather effects on Earth. These disturbances can impact satellite operations, communication systems, and even ground-based power grids. By studying nitric oxide emissions, scientists gain valuable insights into the complex energy transfer processes that govern our planet’s interface with space, helping us better prepare for future solar events.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1029/2018ja025239, Alternate LINK

Title: Diurnal Variation Of Height-Distributed Nitric Oxide Radiative Emission During November 2004 Superstorm

Subject: Space and Planetary Science

Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics

Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Authors: Tikemani Bag

Published: 2018-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are geomagnetic storms and how do they originate?

Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere caused by interactions with the solar wind. These storms result from the transfer of energy and momentum from the solar wind into the magnetosphere. They can affect Earth's upper atmosphere, causing changes in its composition and dynamics, and are crucial to understand for protecting technology both in space and on the ground. The intensity and effects of these storms are often characterized using indices such as the Dst index and parameters related to the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF), like B₂. The November 2004 superstorm serves as a key example in studying these phenomena.

What role does nitric oxide (NO) play in the Earth's upper atmosphere during geomagnetic storms?

Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial molecule in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region. It acts as a radiative coolant, emitting infrared radiation and regulating temperature in the thermosphere. During geomagnetic storms, the concentration of NO can change significantly, affecting how the atmosphere cools and responds to energy inputs from space. This behavior is particularly important because NO influences the infrared radiative flux (IRF), and changes in NO levels can impact the overall energy balance of the upper atmosphere.

How was the data collected and analyzed in the study focusing on the November 2004 superstorm's impact on nitric oxide emissions?

The study utilized data from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument aboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics (TIMED) satellite. Observations were concentrated between 55°N and 55°S latitude. Researchers differentiated between day and night conditions using the solar zenith angle (SZA). The NO volume emission rate (VER) was integrated from 100 to 280 km to derive NO infrared radiative flux (IRF) values. Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters, B₂, and Dst were used to characterize geomagnetic storm conditions.

What were the main findings regarding the diurnal variations of nitric oxide infrared radiative flux (IRF) during the November 2004 superstorm?

The study found that nitric oxide infrared radiative flux (IRF) responded differently during day and night, with maximum variations observed below 190 km in altitude. Nighttime NO IRF enhancement was more pronounced than daytime, indicating complex interactions driven by storm dynamics and background atmospheric conditions. This highlights that NO responses to geomagnetic disturbances are altitude and time-dependent, suggesting that solar zenith angle (SZA) plays a significant role in modulating these responses.

Why is it important to study the impact of geomagnetic storms on the upper atmosphere, and what are the potential implications for our technology and climate?

Understanding how the upper atmosphere responds to geomagnetic storms is essential for predicting space weather effects on Earth, which can impact satellite operations, communication systems, and ground-based power grids. By studying nitric oxide (NO) emissions, scientists can gain valuable insights into the complex energy transfer processes that govern our planet's interface with space. This knowledge helps us better prepare for future solar events and protect critical infrastructure. Furthermore, because NO helps regulate temperature in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, understanding its behavior during geomagnetic storms can also provide insights into the long-term effects on Earth's climate.