Recently, according to reports from the renowned Hong Kong media South China Morning Post, China’s LARID radar, located on Hainan Island, detected plasma bubbles in the upper atmosphere. This discovery occurred almost simultaneously over both the Pyramids in Egypt and Midway Island.
Observers believe that the LARID radar’s capabilities showcase China’s leadership in upper atmospheric detection technology. Although LARID cannot be used for military target detection, Chinese military radar systems based on similar technologies have already been deployed and can detect stealth fighters and other targets.
China’s Radar Detects Plasma Bubbles Above the Pyramids
With the help of one of the world’s most powerful radars, Chinese scientists successfully detected plasma bubbles occurring almost simultaneously above the Giza Pyramids and Midway Island.
This phenomenon has drawn widespread attention, not only for its scientific significance but also for its potential impact on modern communication and navigation systems.
Plasma bubbles are an abnormal weather phenomenon that occurs in low-latitude regions, caused by the sudden disappearance of charged particles in the ionosphere, a part of Earth’s upper atmosphere. When there is a significant reduction of electrons in this region, bubble-like areas form, which can seriously disrupt satellite communications and GPS systems. These plasma bubbles can reach diameters of hundreds of kilometers.
It is worth noting that this phenomenon has significant implications for modern warfare, as it could interfere with military communication and navigation equipment.
Recently built, China’s “Low-Latitude Long-Range Ionosphere Radar” (LARID) makes China the first country capable of real-time radar detection of plasma bubbles. From November 4 to 6 last year, the LARID radar captured plasma bubbles triggered by a solar storm.
This phenomenon appeared over North Africa and the Central Pacific and displayed on radar screens, providing scientists with an unprecedented research opportunity.
LARID, located on China’s southernmost island of Hainan, has a detection range of 9,600 kilometers. Traditional radars struggle to detect targets below the horizon due to the Earth’s curvature, but LARID emits powerful electromagnetic waves that repeatedly bounce between the ionosphere and the ground, enabling long-range detection. When the signal encounters a plasma bubble, part of it is reflected back, and the radar antenna array captures these echoes.
LARID utilizes an advanced fully digital phased array system, allowing real-time adjustments of detection frequency, scanning range, and radar coding parameters based on operational needs.
Initially, this radar had a detection range of only 3,000 kilometers. However, through the accumulation of operational experience and the application of new technologies, LARID’s capabilities rapidly improved. In less than six months, its maximum detection range tripled, making it the most advanced plasma bubble detection tool globally.
Plasma bubbles are not just a natural phenomenon; they have significant importance in modern warfare. Military forces from many countries, including the U.S. Navy, have long supported research projects related to this. However, due to the lack of large-scale, long-term ocean observation facilities, humanity’s understanding and warning capabilities for plasma bubbles remain limited.
Chinese scientists have proposed an ambitious plan to build 3 to 4 similar long-range radar stations in low-latitude regions globally, forming a global plasma bubble monitoring network.
Although LARID’s resolution is too low to detect military targets like planes or ships, China has made significant advancements in military radar based on similar technologies.
Official reports indicate that the Chinese military has already deployed multiple long-range radars capable of detecting stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 stealth fighter. The signal wavelength emitted by these long-range radars can reach several meters, making it difficult for stealth aircraft coatings to fully absorb these signals, thus being detected by the radar.
Furthermore, China’s new Type 055 destroyer is equipped with radar systems capable of detecting stealth aircraft, and experts speculate that its detection range could reach several hundred kilometers.
This demonstrates China’s significant advancements in radar technology, achieving breakthroughs not only in scientific research but also gaining strategic advantages in military applications.
With this series of technological advancements, China is continuously rising in global technological competition, gradually becoming a leader in plasma bubble monitoring and radar technology.
Strategic Significance Behind China’s Radar Technology
Behind the success of the LARID radar lies China’s gradual rise in global technological competition. As international competition intensifies, especially in high-tech fields, the development of radar technology has become a critical means for countries to enhance military and strategic advantages.
With the domestically developed LARID radar, China not only leads in detecting natural phenomena like plasma bubbles but also demonstrates its cutting-edge strength in defense technology.
Plasma bubbles are not just a meteorological phenomenon; they act as information barriers that can significantly impact modern warfare. Their appearance disrupts satellite navigation, communication systems, and radar precision, creating substantial tactical impacts, particularly during military operations.
For example, navigation system failures could cause missile strikes and drone operations to deviate. Therefore, real-time monitoring of plasma bubbles is vital for enhancing operational precision and ensuring communication security.
For years, military powers like the U.S. and Russia have studied the effects of plasma bubbles. However, due to the lack of long-term, large-scale observation capabilities, their warning systems remain inadequate.
In contrast, China, by building a network of long-range radars like LARID in oceanic and low-latitude regions, is poised to achieve real-time global plasma bubble monitoring, further enhancing China’s strategic warning capabilities. Deploying more long-range radars in oceans and low-latitude regions will not only fill technological gaps but will significantly enhance China’s ability to counter electronic and information warfare in future conflicts.
In addition to military applications, the LARID radar also has vast potential in civilian sectors. The effects of plasma bubbles on satellite communications and GPS systems have long been of great concern to civilian aerospace and transportation systems worldwide.
In recent years, with the rapid development of drones, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities, precise navigation and communication systems have become increasingly critical. The sudden appearance of plasma bubbles could significantly impact these systems, even causing accidents.
Therefore, effective monitoring of plasma bubbles can help reduce communication disruptions in civilian systems, improving the safety and efficiency of transportation.
Currently, global plasma bubble monitoring largely relies on international satellite networks. LARID radar provides a new solution by offering lower costs, broader coverage, and real-time monitoring and warning compared to satellite systems.
Once the LARID network is completed, it will not only serve China domestically but also provide crucial weather and communication warning data to other countries worldwide, enhancing global public safety.
The success of the LARID radar is just one example of China’s rise in global technological competition. In recent years, China has made breakthroughs in radar, aerospace, and other fields, gradually breaking the technological monopoly held by Western countries, demonstrating immense technological potential.
With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, China plans to build more technological infrastructure in critical regions, forming a global network of scientific cooperation. This will not only enhance China’s international influence but also provide new opportunities for technological collaboration with developing countries.
More importantly, as globalization deepens, technological cooperation between countries will become increasingly close. China’s concept of a “community of shared future for mankind” emphasizes that countries should share technological achievements and jointly address global challenges.
The construction of the LARID radar global monitoring network is a reflection of this concept. By providing global public services, China showcases its image as a responsible major power and plays an increasingly important role in global scientific governance.
In Summary
China’s LARID radar is not just a breakthrough in scientific research; it represents China’s forefront position in global technological competition.
As radar technology continues to evolve, China will not only have stronger strategic advantages in defense but will also offer more public services in the civilian domain.
In the future, the construction of plasma bubble monitoring and long-range radar networks will allow China to play an increasingly important role on the global stage.
The success of the LARID radar marks a new chapter in China’s global technological competition. It is a testament to China’s scientific strength and a vivid example of China’s continuous innovation, contributing to global public safety.
