A significant geomagnetic storm in May 2025 spurred the emergence of metal-rich ionized clouds, known as sporadic E layers, in Earth's upper atmosphere. These clouds, composed of ionized material, formed between 90 and 120 kilometers above sea level.
A Kyushu University study, recently published in Geophysical Research Letters, details the enhanced activity of these sporadic E layers during the Mother's Day geomagnetic storm. The research indicates that these layers were significantly enhanced over Southeast Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, and the East Pacific regions during the storm's recovery phase.
Researchers observed a unique propagation characteristic, with the clouds initially detected in high latitudes before appearing successively in lower latitudes. This event underscores the intricate relationship between solar activity and the Earth's atmosphere, offering insights into space weather forecasting and its impact on communication systems.