NASA Launches Rockets to Study Mysterious Black Auroras Over Alaska

The Black and Diffuse Auroral Science Surveyor (BaDASS) mission aims to unravel the secrets of these elusive atmospheric phenomena.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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NASA recently launched two sounding rockets from the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska, kicking off a series of experiments to study the mysterious 'black auroras.' The BaDASS mission, along with the GNEISS experiment, are designed to investigate the complex electrical processes within the aurora borealis and improve our understanding of space weather.

Why it matters

Studying auroras is crucial for understanding 'space weather' and its potential impact on Earth's technology, such as satellite communications, power grids, and astronaut safety. By improving models for forecasting space weather events, NASA hopes to mitigate the risks posed by these phenomena.

The details

The BaDASS mission is specifically focused on investigating the differences in electron behavior inside and outside the dark regions of the aurora known as 'black auroras.' Researchers aim to determine the physical processes responsible for generating these unique optical features. Alongside BaDASS, the GNEISS experiment aims to create a detailed 'computerized tomograph' of the electrical currents flowing within the aurora.

  • NASA recently launched two sounding rockets from the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska.
  • The BaDASS and GNEISS missions represent a growing trend towards more sophisticated and targeted aurora research.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Kristina Lynch

The principal investigator for the GNEISS experiment and a professor at Dartmouth College.

Poker Flat Research Range

An established infrastructure for launching rockets into the heart of the aurora borealis, located in Alaska.

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What they’re saying

“We want to recognize how current spreads down in the atmosphere. It's basically like a CT scan of the plasma under the aurora.”

— Kristina Lynch, Principal Investigator, GNEISS (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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