NASA’s GNEISS Mission Will Map Electric Currents Behind the Aurora

NASA’s GNEISS Mission Will Map Electric Currents Behind the Aurora

NASA’s GNEISS mission will launch from Alaska in early 2026 to probe the electric currents that drive auroras. Two rockets will fly through glowing auroral arcs, releasing sub-payloads whose radio signals act like a CT scan. By mapping electron density and direction, scientists aim to improve space weather forecasting and better protect satellites and communication systems during periods of intense solar activity affecting Earth and modern techn…

NASA rocket to conduct 'CT scan' of Northern Lights to help understand auroral electricity

FAIRBANKS, Alaska– NASA is launching a rocket mission from Alaska as early as Saturday to study and help understand electrical circuitry underlying the aurora. The rocket mission will use a technique similar to how a CT scan works on humans, to reconstruct the electrical currents flowing from the northern lights, NASA said. NASA compared the electrical flow of auroras to that of a lightbulb with a power cord. "The electricity doesn’t stop where …