The sounds NASA scientists recorded are actually coming from the planet earth, in a roundabout way. Ham radio operators have known about them for years, but it was only when NASA listened in from a point in space that their eerie and very ethereal sound got our attention. These sounds are caused by plasma waves moving around Earth’s radiation belts, which could be likened to a sort of donut-shaped cloud that protects Earth from the Sun’s radiation. The ensemble is known as “Chorus.” While they sound something like a glass harmonica, or maybe something from a scary movie, what they might be doing is likely far scarier. NASA scientists believe these sounds may correspond with “killer electrons” which are extremely dangerous to astronauts in space. When “killer electrons” catch a ride on one of these waves?it basically becomes a barrage of danger for astronauts and satellites in their path. Those high velocity electrons can essentially tear an astronaut to pieces.
In the illustration, you can see how an artist from NASA has interpreted the radiation belts causing the noises, described as two large sort of cloud donuts?surrounding the?Earth. Killer electrons can be propelled by the fluctuations of the donut. Whatever the case, just LISTEN!
