upper atmosphere

"The haze in the dark ovals is 50 times thicker than the typical concentration," said Zhang, "which suggests it likely forms due to swirling vortex dynamics rather than chemical reactions triggered by high-energy particles from the upper atmosphere. Our observations showed that the timing and location of these energetic particles do not correlate with the appearance of the dark ovals."

Some researchers worry this injection of metals in the upper atmosphere could be damaging.

This injection of metals and other compounds into the upper atmosphere has the potential to disturb the delicate balance of elements and molecules in the air, the letter argues.

The unusual hues should continue until Monday, when more unsettled weather will begin to disperse the smoke in the upper atmosphere.

High pressure systems in the upper atmosphere typically drive all of California’s major heat waves, creating a lid over an area as air sinks — a phenomenon sometimes referred to as a heat dome — which prevents hot air from rising, essentially trapping it.