They investigate whether solar storms cause the landing of whales

2017/02/13 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Biologia
• Astrofisika

It is known that the sonars used by the ships influence the orientation of the cetaceans. But, it seems, this does not explain why large landings occasionally occur. Among other hypotheses, NASA, the BOEM Ocean Energy Management Office and the IFAW International Fund for Animal Welfare have proposed that solar storms can influence and study together.

It seems that cetaceans are able to detect and orient the magnetic field. Therefore, the phenomena that alter the magnetic field can affect the navigation of the cetaceans, among which stand out the solar storms.

Scientists have collected thousands of data, both from whale landing and solar storms. Using data mining, they will check if all these data are related to each other. And if there is a relationship, they will investigate the reasons that can explain that relationship. In addition, they will use solar storm predictions to be attentive and prevent whale landing. The first results have been ordered for autumn.