Recent images released by NASA show mesmerizing atmospheric ripples generated by Hurricane Helene as it made landfall along Florida's coast. The agency's Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) has documented the remarkable concentric bands of atmospheric gravity waves extending far beyond the hurricane's immediate impact zone.

Ludger Scherliess, the AWE principal investigator and a physicist at Utah State University, described the phenomenon, stating, “Just like ripples spreading from a pebble dropped in water, we can see these circular waves emanating westward from Florida’s northwest coast as Helene progressed.” This mesmerizing display, visible from space, illustrates the complex interactions between severe weather systems and the atmosphere.

But what exactly are atmospheric gravity waves? These vertical ripples move through calm areas of the atmosphere, effectively creating peaks and troughs. Unlike gravitational waves—produced by cataclysmic cosmic events like black hole collisions—gravity waves are often spawned by large weather events, ranging from thunderstorms and hurricanes to tornadoes and even tsunamis.

NASA's AWE is mounted on the International Space Station and has been operational since November 2023. This cutting-edge instrument detects these gravity waves by measuring airglow, a faint light emitted by gases in the mesosphere, which lies between 31 to 53 miles (50 to 85 kilometers) above Earth's surface. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, but powerful storms can send cloud tops soaring into the stratosphere, creating intense atmospheric activity.

The images of gravity waves from Hurricane Helene mark a significant milestone for the AWE project, as they are among the first released to the public. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of how surface weather influence interactions high above our atmosphere, potentially affecting space weather. As we head towards the 2024 hurricane season, these insights may prove crucial in predicting and mitigating the impacts of future storms.

Stay tuned for more revealing images and updates from NASA as they continue to unveil the wonders of our atmosphere and its connection to space!