👉 Vancouver's Light Particles, also known as ionized atmospheric particles or LAPs, are tiny, electrically charged droplets that form in the Earth's upper atmosphere, particularly during periods of high solar activity. These particles originate from the ionization of atmospheric gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, by energetic particles from the sun, such as those emitted during solar flares and coronal mass ejections. When these particles collide with neutral molecules, they strip away electrons, creating positively charged ions and free electrons. This process results in the formation of light particles that can be detected by specialized instruments on satellites and ground-based observatories. LAPs are significant in atmospheric science as they play a crucial role in the ionosphere's electrical properties, influencing radio communications and satellite operations. They also contribute to phenomena like auroras and can affect the behavior of charged particles in space weather conditions.
