In a dazzling celestial display, Steve, the cosmic phenomenon with a penchant for purple, recently graced the night sky, captivating sky-watchers and leaving scientists intrigued. This mysterious visitor, distinct from the famed aurora borealis, made a spectacular return in 2021, painting the heavens with its thin, glowing ribbon. Let’s delve into the enigma of Steve and unravel the cosmic ballet that unfolded in the night sky.
What Sets Steve Apart?
Steve, christened in 2016, is not your ordinary aurora. The Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) behaves uniquely, showcasing a ribbon-like appearance and occasional “picket fence” structure. Unlike typical auroras, Steve is visible even in regions farther south, making it an elusive and fascinating cosmic occurrence.
Steve Under the Scientific Lens: Unraveling the Mystery
Scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre have been diligently studying Steve using ground-based images and satellite data. Unlike the globally forming oval auroras, Steve manifests as a transient ribbon, gracing the skies for a brief 20 minutes to an hour before vanishing into obscurity. It is often associated with a subauroral ion drift (SAID), a rapid stream of exceptionally hot particles.
The Peculiar Name Origins
The name “Steve” has whimsical origins, tracing back to an animated movie, “Over the Hedge.” In the film, characters encounter a phenomenon resembling a big garden hedge, playfully dubbed “Steve.” Scientists later transformed this playful moniker into an acronym, standing for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.
Steve’s Spectacular Return in 2021
Reports of Steve sightings surfaced from diverse locations, including the UK, Canada, northern US states, and New Zealand. Its unpredictability and transient nature pose challenges for ground-based recordings, adding an air of mystery to its cosmic performances.
A Night Sky Extravaganza: Steve’s Dance with the Northern Lights
As Steve graced the night sky with its vibrant hues, aurora watchers were treated to a widespread display of the aurora borealis across the UK. A geomagnetic storm, fueled by a potent solar wind, sent charged particles hurtling towards Earth. The interaction of these particles with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere resulted in the characteristic hues of the Northern Lights, defying the usual high-latitude constraints and reaching even regions as far south as England.
