Scientists discover low frequency noises in the Earth's atmosphere

Scientists find low frequency sounds in the Earth's atmosphere.

A team of scientists from Sandia National Laboratories has identified sounds in the Earth's stratosphere, experts are baffled with this new discovery.

In a recent press release, Daniel Bowman, a senior scientist at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, highlighted the existence of perplexing infrasound signals within the stratosphere. These signals occur intermittently, appearing multiple times per hour during specific flights. Despite rigorous investigation, the origins of these signals are unknown to scientists.

Within the Earth's atmosphere, there exists a distinct layer known as the stratosphere, characterized by its relative calmness. This atmospheric region, enriched with ozone that effectively blocks ultraviolet radiation, possesses a remarkable acoustic quality. It provides a soundscape where auditory phenomena, possibly undetectable in other atmospheric layers, can be perceived and studied.

Solar-powered balloons, deployed at an altitude of 21,336 meters, successfully captured the presence of low-frequency noises. These specialized balloons were specifically designed to detect and record a range of sounds in the surrounding environment.

described in a press release by Bowman, the balloons used for this purpose resembled sizable plastic bags and measured approximately seven meters in width. Equipped with microbarometers, which are infrasound sensors, they were securely affixed to the balloons to facilitate the detection and measurement of low-frequency noises.

In order to achieve buoyancy, the balloons were filled with charcoal dust, creating a dark interior that facilitated the absorption of sunlight. This absorption of solar radiation heated the air inside the balloon, enabling it to ascend and remain afloat in the atmosphere.

Despite the scientists' initial plan was to record volcanic eruptions, they stumbled upon a new and unexpected discovery.

The balloons have picked up other low-frequency sounds, some familiar ones such as thunder, rocket launches and oceans waves. Bowman and his team have yet to correctly claim what this new discovery is.

The scientists have put forward some theories to explain the perplexing sounds. One idea is that these unknown noises could be a result of a previously unrecognized form of atmospheric turbulence. Another possibility is that the sounds are echoes of ground-based noises that have undergone significant transformations, making them unrecognizable. These theories reflect the scientists' ongoing efforts to unravel the mystery behind these low-frequency sounds.

The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to gain a deeper understanding of these sounds occurring in the stratosphere. Their future endeavors will involve tracing the origins of the sounds and analyzing their patterns across seasons and diverse geographical regions worldwide.