ScienceAugust 17, 2026
substorm
SUB-storm
Definition
A brief, intense period of disturbance in Earth's magnetosphere that causes a dramatic increase in the intensity and brightness of an aurora.
Etymology
The word is a combination of the prefix 'sub-' (meaning under or below) and 'storm.' It was coined in the 1960s within the field of space physics to describe localized disturbances smaller than a full-scale geomagnetic storm.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the specific space physics event that produced an unusually vivid green glow on the Alaskan snow. It highlights the scientific cause behind the spectacular visual display observed by Vincent Ledvina.
Stunned by a glowing green light: what happened when the ground lit up at night?
Read the full article ↗Futura, le média qui explore le monde