First observed in 2017, STEVE is a fast-moving stream of high-temperature gas that moved westward before midnight. Scientists suggested that a similar flow moved eastward after midnight. Data from the Ramfjordmoen research station in the Norwegian Arctic revealed the equivalent of the 1,000 km-long purple stripe captured on December 28, 2021.
ESA’s Swarm satellites confirmed this phenomenon by measuring eastward-flowing ions in the purple band. Although this STEVE “twin” has yet to receive an official name, it has been suggested that he be called “SAM” (STEVE After Midnight).
The discovery, published in the journal Earth, Planets & Space, sheds light on the enduring mysteries of our night sky even after centuries of observations.
Source: Ferra
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