electrojet

[ih-lek-truh-jet]

noun

Geophysics.

1. a current of ions existing in the upper atmosphere, moving with respect to the surface of the earth, and causing various auroral phenomena.

electrojet

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌdʒɛt /

noun

1. a narrow belt of fast-moving ions in the ionosphere, under the influence of the earth's magnetic field, causing auroral displays

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrojet¹

First recorded in 1950–55; electro- + jet ¹

Example Sentences

Among the shocking effects: A current known as the equatorial electrojet, which normally runs west to east in the ionosphere, reversed direction, she said.

From Washington Post

Space Weather Creates Electrical 'Bermuda Triangles': Even a mild shock wave in the solar wind can suddenly amp up the equatorial electrojet and create localized magnetic storms. 

From Scientific American

This result has significant implications for the many countries located beneath the equatorial electrojet that may be operating power infrastructure not initially designed to cope with space weather.

From Time

This daily contrast corresponds to the well-known variations in the equatorial electrojet.

From Time

It’s strong evidence that the equatorial electrojet is amplifying the geomagnetically induced current activity during interplanetary shock arrivals in a way that hasn’t really been recognized until now.

From Time