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NASA Detects First Magnetic Switchback Near Earth

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) detected the first magnetic switchback near Earth, a solar-wind disturbance previously observed near the Sun.
Led by physicist E. O. McDougall, the research shows that switchbacks can influence energy transfer into Earth's upper atmosphere.
The discovery allows scientists to study magnetic reconnection processes without sending probes to the Sun.
The findings are detailed in the Journal of Geophysical Research.

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Story summary

NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) detected the first magnetic switchback near Earth, a solar-wind disturbance previously observed near the Sun.
Led by physicist E. O. McDougall, the research shows that switchbacks can influence energy transfer into Earth's upper atmosphere.
The discovery allows scientists to study magnetic reconnection processes without sending probes to the Sun.
The findings are detailed in the Journal of Geophysical Research.