NASA | Goddard's Speedy MMS Instruments Will Measure Mysterious Physics

The video discusses magnetic reconnection, a process where magnetic fields merge and release energy, occurring in various environments like the sun and Earth's magnetosphere. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for space weather prediction and nuclear fusion. The Earth's magnetosphere is a convenient study location due to its impact on space weather. The video highlights the challenges of measuring magnetic reconnection, which occurs rapidly. It details the instruments used, including spectrometers developed at Goddard, and the collaborative effort in building and launching the MMS spacecraft to study this phenomenon.

What is magnetic reconnection and how does it occur?

Why is the Earth's magnetosphere a suitable location for studying magnetic reconnection?

What challenges do scientists face in measuring magnetic reconnection events?

Describe the instruments used in the fast plasma investigation suite.

What is the significance of the MMS spacecraft launch in relation to magnetic reconnection?