Possible space weather role in downing of US copter

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Possible space weather role in downing of US copter

In the predawn hours of 4 March 2002, as the United States and its allies battled Al Qaeda in the mountains of Afghanistan, a US army helicopter was sent to drop reinforcements on Takur Ghar, a mountain peak blanketed by snow — and enemy fire. Attempts to warn the chopper off via satellite radio failed. At the landing zone, it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and crash-landed, stranding its force in a fierce firefight that killed four US soldiers.  Read more

Ozone recovery helped by warming climate

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The current ozone hole over Antarctica is shown here in blue.

The ozone layer appears to be continuing on the path to recovery, an international panel of 300 scientists reports today. Atmospheric levels of the chemicals that destroy ozone have now declined by 10–15% since peaking in 2000, a sign of improving health.  Read more

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Mosquitoes transmit chikungunya in continental US

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Two people have acquired the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus within the continental United States, the state of Florida’s Department of Health announced today. The cases, one in Miami-Dade County and another in Palm Beach County, confirm that the virus has infected US mosquitoes.  Read more