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Cluster and Double Star witness a new facet of Earth’s magnetic behaviour

30 March 2006

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Artist's impression of the neutral sheet oscillations observed in Earth's magnetotail by the four ESA/NASA Cluster spacecraft (in blue) and the CNSA/ESA Double Star TC-1 spacecraft in red.

The five spacecraft were engulfed by waves of electrical and magnetic energy as they travelled through Earth’s night-time shadow on 5 August 2004.

The data collected by the spacecraft are giving scientists an important clue to the effects of 'space weather' on Earth’s magnetic field.

Credits: ESA

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An artist's impression of the Cluster quartet

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An artist's impression of the Cluster quartet.

Credits: ESA

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The Double Star TC-2 spacecraft during the Sun simulation test.

Credits: CNSA/CAST/CSSAR

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