NASA has chosen Dartmouth College and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) to develop a groundbreaking mission, CINEMA, to unravel the mysteries of space weather. This mission will provide unprecedented insights into the complex dynamics of Earth's magnetotail and its impact on our planet's magnetic field. With nine small satellites, each equipped with three scientific instruments, CINEMA will offer a comprehensive view of the magnetotail and aurora, shedding light on the energy circulation and the explosive releases that fuel intense geomagnetic storms and substorms. This knowledge is crucial for understanding space weather, a phenomenon driven by solar activity, which can disrupt satellite safety, air travel, and ground infrastructure.
The CINEMA mission, led by principal investigator Robyn Millan of Dartmouth, will significantly enhance our understanding of the Sun-Earth connection. It will also provide valuable insights into how similar space environments influence human exploration plans. Bobby Braun, head of APL's Space Exploration Sector, emphasizes the mission's scientific value and the team's excitement to collaborate with partners. The CINEMA team includes Dartmouth College, APL, the University of California, Berkeley, and Space Dynamics Laboratory, each contributing specialized expertise and resources.
APL, a leader in space weather research, is particularly focused on understanding solar activity drivers, Earth's magnetosphere's protective role, and the upper atmosphere's response to solar variability. This mission is a significant step forward in our understanding of space weather and its potential impacts, offering a unique perspective on Earth's magnetotail and its interaction with the Sun.
