Electrojet

/ɪˈlɛktroʊdʒɛt/ noun

Definition

A narrow band of intense electrical current that flows in Earth's upper atmosphere, especially in the ionosphere above the equator.

Etymology

Compound of 'electro-' and 'jet' (from Old French 'jeter' meaning to throw). The term was coined in the mid-20th century by atmospheric physicists studying upper atmosphere phenomena.

Kelly Says

Electrojets are like rivers of electricity flowing silently above our heads in the ionosphere—they can be 100 times stronger than Earth's surface magnetic field and are one reason the aurora borealis happens.

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