Recent sightings of mysterious objects in the skies over Egypt and the Midway Islands have captured global attention. However, researchers indicate these phenomena may be explained by equatorial plasma bubbles (EPB), as reported in Geophysical Research Letters.
Chinese scientists have made significant advancements in studying EPBs using the LARID ionospheric radar located in Dunfan. For the first time, they conducted long-range observations of EPB irregularities up to 9,500 km away.
The experiment spanned a vast area, covering longitudes from 140° across the Pacific to Africa, allowing for tracking of these plasma formations from sunset to sunrise. This breakthrough is crucial due to the challenges of observing EPBs in equatorial and low-latitude regions, much of which is ocean.
EPBs can significantly affect satellite systems and communication, causing ionospheric scintillation, highlighting the importance of their study. The LARID radar has demonstrated the capability to monitor global variations of these bubbles in real-time, paving the way for a comprehensive network of low-latitude radars for space weather monitoring.
While the objects observed above the pyramids and islands raise many questions, new data suggest they are manifestations of a natural phenomenon—equatorial plasma bubbles. This discovery will enhance scientists' understanding of their nature and impact on our planet.