Paramount Pictures has found a new captain to begin work on its next Star Trek film. Fear the Walking Dead writer and co-executive producer Kalinda Vasquez has been tapped to write a new Star Trek movie for Paramount Pictures, per Deadline. J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot is producing. If the project is greenlit, Vasquez will become the first woman to pen a Star Trek film. At the moment, it's uncertain whether the new project intends to include previously established characters from recent Star Trek movies, such as Chris Pine's Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto's Spock and Simon Pegg's Scotty. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/07/20/jj-abrams-star-trek-series-in-5-minutes"] Vasquez already has experience writing for the Star Trek franchise, having penned multiple episodes across the property's various iterations on Paramount Plus. She also wrote the Star Trek: Discovery episode Terra Firma, Part 2. Apart from Trek, Vasquez is currently writing a Marvel comics run about America Chavez and is also developing an adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novel Roadmarks for HBO. It has been nearly 5 years since the last Star Trek movie was in theaters. Star Trek Beyond released in July 2016 and went on to gross $158 million domestically. It marked a notable drop-off compared to its two predecessors Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, which grossed $257 million and $228.7 million respectively. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-trek-discovery-season-3-exclusive-character-images&captions=true"] In the years since, Paramount has made several attempts at bringing Star Trek back to theaters. Quentin Tarantino detailed his and Abrams' idea for an R-rated franchise entry, though he has since distanced himself from the project. Similarly, Fargo creator Noah Hawley was tapped to write and direct a direct sequel to Star Trek Beyond, though that project has since been shuttered. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Party Down, the cult comedy about a group of caterers with dreams of stardom working in Hollywood is set to return as a limited-series revival at Starz. According to a press release, Starz announced it is “reviving the party” with a six-part limited series Party Down revival. There is no mention yet, however, on whether the original cast will return for the revival. Though chances seem likely. Party Down stars a crew of caterers who host parties as they wait for their big break in show business. The cast includes Adam Scott as a washed-up commercial actor, Lizzy Caplan as a struggling stand-up comic, Martin Starr as a wannabe sci-fi screenwriter, Ryan Hansen as an actor and model, Jane Lynch who is a former actress, Megan Mullally as a showbiz mom, and Ken Marino as their boss at the catering company. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=12-cancelled-tv-shows-wed-love-to-see-revived&captions=true"] Funny enough the cast has gone to have bigger roles following their stint on Party Down, with regular roles in shows like Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley, Glee, Masters of Sex, and more. Party Down creator Rob Thomas (who also created shows like Veronica Mars and iZombie) said in a statement that the cast and producers of Party Down have been looking for a way to work together again ever since a retrospective for the show was hosted by Vulture in 2019. Thomas is set to return for the Party Down revival along with showrunner John Enbom, and producers Paul Rudd and Dan Etheridge. Party Down is the latest sitcom set for a modern revival. Other shows like Saved by the Bell have already been revived, while others have been announced. Most recently a planned Frasier revival series in the works at Paramount+. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a News Editor at IGN.

Party Down, the cult comedy about a group of caterers with dreams of stardom working in Hollywood is set to return as a limited-series revival at Starz. According to a press release, Starz announced it is “reviving the party” with a six-part limited series Party Down revival. There is no mention yet, however, on whether the original cast will return for the revival. Though chances seem likely. Party Down stars a crew of caterers who host parties as they wait for their big break in show business. The cast includes Adam Scott as a washed-up commercial actor, Lizzy Caplan as a struggling stand-up comic, Martin Starr as a wannabe sci-fi screenwriter, Ryan Hansen as an actor and model, Jane Lynch who is a former actress, Megan Mullally as a showbiz mom, and Ken Marino as their boss at the catering company. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=12-cancelled-tv-shows-wed-love-to-see-revived&captions=true"] Funny enough the cast has gone to have bigger roles following their stint on Party Down, with regular roles in shows like Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley, Glee, Masters of Sex, and more. Party Down creator Rob Thomas (who also created shows like Veronica Mars and iZombie) said in a statement that the cast and producers of Party Down have been looking for a way to work together again ever since a retrospective for the show was hosted by Vulture in 2019. Thomas is set to return for the Party Down revival along with showrunner John Enbom, and producers Paul Rudd and Dan Etheridge. Party Down is the latest sitcom set for a modern revival. Other shows like Saved by the Bell have already been revived, while others have been announced. Most recently a planned Frasier revival series in the works at Paramount+. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a News Editor at IGN.

Zombies can be found in movies, on TV, and in games, but so far, not anywhere in the real world. The CDC has a tips guide to help you prepare should that ever change, though. That might read like a joke or satire, but the CDC — the real-life, federally-funded Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — legitimately has a guide for surviving a zombie apocalypse. It features some pretty handy tips too that seem useful not just for a zombie takeover, but a hurricane or a global pandemic...you know, like the one we're in. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-zombie-games-of-all-time&captions=true"] "So what do you need to do before zombies...or hurricanes or pandemics for example, actually happen?" the CDC's Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse guide reads. "First of all, you should have an emergency kit in your house. This includes things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp." According to the CDC, one gallon of water per person, per day, is sufficient and that as far as food goes, you should stock up on non-perishable items that can last while. The guide also recommends stocking up on prescription and non-prescription medications as well as things like knives, tape, battery-powered radios, and flashlights. Although hygiene is likely to be the last thing on anyone's mind during a zombie apocalypse — we've all seen how dirty Daryl Dixon gets on The Walking Dead — the CDC's zombie survival guide says to stock up on household bleach, soap, towels, and other sanitation and hygiene-related products. Assuming the world doesn't come to an end by way of zombies, you're going to want a copy of all your important documents too, like your driver's license and passport. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/25/army-of-the-dead-official-teaser"] "Although you're a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use [first aid supplies] to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane," the guide reads. "Once you've made your emergency kit, you should sit down with your family and come up with an emergency plan. This includes where you would go and who you would call if zombies started appearing outside your door step." Something tells us if zombies appear on your doorstep and that's the first you've seen of them, things aren't going to go well. As far as where to go, if Zack Snyder's upcoming zombie movie, Army of the Dead, is any indication, stay as far away from Las Vegas as possible. The CDC says a good emergency plan includes awareness of the other possible types of emergencies that could happen (although, if a tornado happens near you during a zombie apocalypse, you've just got bad luck), picking out a place to regroup should a zombie horde split your family up, identifying emergency contacts, and planning an evacuation route. We recommend a nice, rural farmhouse, like Rick and his crew found back in Season 2 of The Walking Dead, although be cautious of zombified family members hidden on the property. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/17/back-4-blood-hands-on-preview-the-spiritual-successor-to-left-4-dead"] "If zombies did start roaming the streets, CDC would conduct an investigation much like any other disease outbreak," the guide reads. "CDC would provide technical assistance to cities, states, or international partners dealing with a zombie infestation. This assistance might include consolation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts, and infection control." If video games, movies, and TV have prepared the world for anything, it's a zombie apocalypse. Check out IGN's list of the top 19 zombie video games and then check out this list of the 10 zombie movies you need to watch, especially if you're looking for things not to do during a zombie apocalypse. Be sure to read IGN's top 10 Walking Dead episodes after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN who has zero faith in himself to survive beyond maybe a day or two in a zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

Zombies can be found in movies, on TV, and in games, but so far, not anywhere in the real world. The CDC has a tips guide to help you prepare should that ever change, though. That might read like a joke or satire, but the CDC — the real-life, federally-funded Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — legitimately has a guide for surviving a zombie apocalypse. It features some pretty handy tips too that seem useful not just for a zombie takeover, but a hurricane or a global pandemic...you know, like the one we're in. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-zombie-games-of-all-time&captions=true"] "So what do you need to do before zombies...or hurricanes or pandemics for example, actually happen?" the CDC's Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse guide reads. "First of all, you should have an emergency kit in your house. This includes things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp." According to the CDC, one gallon of water per person, per day, is sufficient and that as far as food goes, you should stock up on non-perishable items that can last while. The guide also recommends stocking up on prescription and non-prescription medications as well as things like knives, tape, battery-powered radios, and flashlights. Although hygiene is likely to be the last thing on anyone's mind during a zombie apocalypse — we've all seen how dirty Daryl Dixon gets on The Walking Dead — the CDC's zombie survival guide says to stock up on household bleach, soap, towels, and other sanitation and hygiene-related products. Assuming the world doesn't come to an end by way of zombies, you're going to want a copy of all your important documents too, like your driver's license and passport. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/25/army-of-the-dead-official-teaser"] "Although you're a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use [first aid supplies] to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane," the guide reads. "Once you've made your emergency kit, you should sit down with your family and come up with an emergency plan. This includes where you would go and who you would call if zombies started appearing outside your door step." Something tells us if zombies appear on your doorstep and that's the first you've seen of them, things aren't going to go well. As far as where to go, if Zack Snyder's upcoming zombie movie, Army of the Dead, is any indication, stay as far away from Las Vegas as possible. The CDC says a good emergency plan includes awareness of the other possible types of emergencies that could happen (although, if a tornado happens near you during a zombie apocalypse, you've just got bad luck), picking out a place to regroup should a zombie horde split your family up, identifying emergency contacts, and planning an evacuation route. We recommend a nice, rural farmhouse, like Rick and his crew found back in Season 2 of The Walking Dead, although be cautious of zombified family members hidden on the property. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/17/back-4-blood-hands-on-preview-the-spiritual-successor-to-left-4-dead"] "If zombies did start roaming the streets, CDC would conduct an investigation much like any other disease outbreak," the guide reads. "CDC would provide technical assistance to cities, states, or international partners dealing with a zombie infestation. This assistance might include consolation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts, and infection control." If video games, movies, and TV have prepared the world for anything, it's a zombie apocalypse. Check out IGN's list of the top 19 zombie video games and then check out this list of the 10 zombie movies you need to watch, especially if you're looking for things not to do during a zombie apocalypse. Be sure to read IGN's top 10 Walking Dead episodes after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN who has zero faith in himself to survive beyond maybe a day or two in a zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

Update 03/08/2021: Crystal Dynamics has has clarified how XP progression will change in Marvel's Avengers, accepting that it had caused confusion in its first announcement of the move. On Reddit, the official developer account for the game wrote, "We did not change XP to increase grind for grind’s sake. Our initial blog was not comprehensive enough to convey what we were doing and why....so we caused confusion,…we get it." In the clarification, the developer explains that the progression curve will now mean that players level up faster than before at low levels, and take longer than before at higher levels – it estimates later levels will take 2-4 missions for each level, rather than once or more per mission as can happen in the current version. More powerful enemies will also  offer additional XP, further incentivising fighting them. In all, Crystal Dynamics expects that reaching maximum level with heroes will take around 3-5 hours longer than before the changes. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvels-avengers-screenshots&captions=true"] While it's certainly a clearer picture of the changes, fans on Reddit broadly remain unconvinced by the changes' usefulness to the game. The top-rated reply to the post comes from antca87, who puts it simply: "This is a terrible move. Leveling up was never the issue. The lack of content was." Last week, we wrote about how the move represents Avengers fixing the wrong problems. "In a year’s time," reads the piece, "I want to look back and see the success it's become. For that to happen though, there needs to be better communication with fans, and a genuine back and forth regarding the issues fans have with the game. Of all the complaints I’ve seen about Marvel’s Avengers, none were about how surprisingly quick leveling up your heroes can be, but almost all have been about the dearth of fun to be had once you’ve done that." The XP changes come alongside next-gen versions of the console game, and the addition of Hawkeye content. Besides the promise of PlayStation exclusive Spider-Man content, long-delayed endgame missions, and Black Panther content, very little is known about the future of the game beyond that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Leveling up your heroes in Marvel’s Avengers will take longer after Crystal Dynamics announced it will be changing the way XP progression will work. On March 18 the newest DLC character Hawkeye is set to be released alongside the next-gen versions of Marvel’s Avengers. But Crystal Dynamics is also changing up some key progression mechanics along with how random cosmetic drops will work. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/marvels-avengers-next-gen-capabilities-trailer"] In a new developer’s blog, the Marvel’s Avengers team shared that the current XP progression curve “isn’t really a curve at all.” Whereas most RPGs increase the amount of XP required to level up as players get stronger, Marvel’s Avengers’ XP system is linear and static. “This has led to pacing issues, such as skill points currently being rewarded too fast, which may be confusing and overwhelming to newer players,” says Crystal Dynamics in the blog.

To fix this, Marvel’s Avengers will begin increasing the amount of XP required to level up starting at around level 25. The required XP will increase the closer players get to level 50, which is the current max level. Crystal Dynamics says players looking to max their characters quickly can try and grind before March 18, when the update is set to go live.

As for cosmetics, Marvel’s Avengers is getting rid of random cosmetics entirely. Starting today, random cosmetic item drops will be temporarily removed and they’ll re-appear later in the cosmetic vendor and can be purchased through Units. On the r/PlayAvengers subreddit, players are somewhat divided on the XP rework. Some argue that characters don’t even begin to feel good to play until level 50 and that adding more grind to progression isn’t a solution. Others say this change will only impact new players and that easing them into characters through a longer progression will breed more familiarity with the game’s systems. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-marvel-superhero-game-review&captions=true"] Crystal Dynamics has shared some of the changes coming to the native next-gen version of Marvel’s Avengers on PS5, including native 4K resolution or 60FPS checkerboard 4K (in performance mode) as well as improved load times, higher-resolution textures, and more. Check out the full next-gen details here. You can also find out everything about Operation Hawkeye - Future Imperfect here, or check out IGN’s Avengers review here. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.

Update 03/08/2021: Crystal Dynamics has has clarified how XP progression will change in Marvel's Avengers, accepting that it had caused confusion in its first announcement of the move. On Reddit, the official developer account for the game wrote, "We did not change XP to increase grind for grind’s sake. Our initial blog was not comprehensive enough to convey what we were doing and why....so we caused confusion,…we get it." In the clarification, the developer explains that the progression curve will now mean that players level up faster than before at low levels, and take longer than before at higher levels – it estimates later levels will take 2-4 missions for each level, rather than once or more per mission as can happen in the current version. More powerful enemies will also  offer additional XP, further incentivising fighting them. In all, Crystal Dynamics expects that reaching maximum level with heroes will take around 3-5 hours longer than before the changes. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvels-avengers-screenshots&captions=true"] While it's certainly a clearer picture of the changes, fans on Reddit broadly remain unconvinced by the changes' usefulness to the game. The top-rated reply to the post comes from antca87, who puts it simply: "This is a terrible move. Leveling up was never the issue. The lack of content was." Last week, we wrote about how the move represents Avengers fixing the wrong problems. "In a year’s time," reads the piece, "I want to look back and see the success it's become. For that to happen though, there needs to be better communication with fans, and a genuine back and forth regarding the issues fans have with the game. Of all the complaints I’ve seen about Marvel’s Avengers, none were about how surprisingly quick leveling up your heroes can be, but almost all have been about the dearth of fun to be had once you’ve done that." The XP changes come alongside next-gen versions of the console game, and the addition of Hawkeye content. Besides the promise of PlayStation exclusive Spider-Man content, long-delayed endgame missions, and Black Panther content, very little is known about the future of the game beyond that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Leveling up your heroes in Marvel’s Avengers will take longer after Crystal Dynamics announced it will be changing the way XP progression will work. On March 18 the newest DLC character Hawkeye is set to be released alongside the next-gen versions of Marvel’s Avengers. But Crystal Dynamics is also changing up some key progression mechanics along with how random cosmetic drops will work. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/marvels-avengers-next-gen-capabilities-trailer"] In a new developer’s blog, the Marvel’s Avengers team shared that the current XP progression curve “isn’t really a curve at all.” Whereas most RPGs increase the amount of XP required to level up as players get stronger, Marvel’s Avengers’ XP system is linear and static. “This has led to pacing issues, such as skill points currently being rewarded too fast, which may be confusing and overwhelming to newer players,” says Crystal Dynamics in the blog.

To fix this, Marvel’s Avengers will begin increasing the amount of XP required to level up starting at around level 25. The required XP will increase the closer players get to level 50, which is the current max level. Crystal Dynamics says players looking to max their characters quickly can try and grind before March 18, when the update is set to go live.

As for cosmetics, Marvel’s Avengers is getting rid of random cosmetics entirely. Starting today, random cosmetic item drops will be temporarily removed and they’ll re-appear later in the cosmetic vendor and can be purchased through Units. On the r/PlayAvengers subreddit, players are somewhat divided on the XP rework. Some argue that characters don’t even begin to feel good to play until level 50 and that adding more grind to progression isn’t a solution. Others say this change will only impact new players and that easing them into characters through a longer progression will breed more familiarity with the game’s systems. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-marvel-superhero-game-review&captions=true"] Crystal Dynamics has shared some of the changes coming to the native next-gen version of Marvel’s Avengers on PS5, including native 4K resolution or 60FPS checkerboard 4K (in performance mode) as well as improved load times, higher-resolution textures, and more. Check out the full next-gen details here. You can also find out everything about Operation Hawkeye - Future Imperfect here, or check out IGN’s Avengers review here. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.

Valve has officially stopped development on Artifact, its struggling collectible card game based on the DOTA universe.

Valve made the announcement Thursday, citing poor player count following the game’s launch in 2018 and subsequent reboot, Artifact 2.0 beta.

“While we're reasonably satisfied we accomplished most of our game-side goals, we haven't managed to get the active player numbers to a level that justifies further development at this time,” the Artifact team writes. “As such, we've made the tough decision to stop development on the Artifact 2.0 Beta.”

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-valve-game-review&captions=true"]

For those Artifact players still hanging on (or for those who never gave it a shot), Valve is making both versions of Artifact free for all, and players will be able to access all cards for free. Card packs will no longer be available to purchase.

For players who purchased card packs in Artifact Classic in the past, they’ll see their cards converted into special Collector’s Edition versions, which will remain marketable between players. That said, marketplace integration is being removed from the game. Players who previously paid for the base game of Artifact will continue to receive Collector’s Edition cards for playing, while players who got Artifact for free will not. Players can read full details here.

“We're grateful to all Artifact players, and particularly to those who were able to help us tune and refine what would become Artifact Foundry,” the Artifact team writes. “The team feels this is the approach that best serves the community. We're proud of the work we've done on both games and excited about delivering them to a much larger audience of gamers.”

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-and-worst-reviewed-games-of-2020&captions=true"]

Artifact’s failure to gain traction proved to be a massive disappointment for Valve, even to co-founder Gabe Newell. In an interview on IGN First, Newell said he and Valve looked to Artifact and other failed projects as valuable learning experiences. Valve’s next project, DOTA Underlords (a streamlined version of the popular Auto Chess mod) managed to beat Artifact’s player count in two hours.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/18/ign-first-half-life-alyx-gabe-newell-interview"]

Artifact managed to review fairly well, but players criticized it for its card monetization, with booster packs costing $2 a piece. Players could also earn cards via draft modes, but were required to use event tickets, which also cost money. Shortly before the launch of Artifact 2.0, Valve announced its reboot would be earned through gameplay rather than sold for money.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/ancient artifact for IGN.

Valve has officially stopped development on Artifact, its struggling collectible card game based on the DOTA universe.

Valve made the announcement Thursday, citing poor player count following the game’s launch in 2018 and subsequent reboot, Artifact 2.0 beta.

“While we're reasonably satisfied we accomplished most of our game-side goals, we haven't managed to get the active player numbers to a level that justifies further development at this time,” the Artifact team writes. “As such, we've made the tough decision to stop development on the Artifact 2.0 Beta.”

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-valve-game-review&captions=true"]

For those Artifact players still hanging on (or for those who never gave it a shot), Valve is making both versions of Artifact free for all, and players will be able to access all cards for free. Card packs will no longer be available to purchase.

For players who purchased card packs in Artifact Classic in the past, they’ll see their cards converted into special Collector’s Edition versions, which will remain marketable between players. That said, marketplace integration is being removed from the game. Players who previously paid for the base game of Artifact will continue to receive Collector’s Edition cards for playing, while players who got Artifact for free will not. Players can read full details here.

“We're grateful to all Artifact players, and particularly to those who were able to help us tune and refine what would become Artifact Foundry,” the Artifact team writes. “The team feels this is the approach that best serves the community. We're proud of the work we've done on both games and excited about delivering them to a much larger audience of gamers.”

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-and-worst-reviewed-games-of-2020&captions=true"]

Artifact’s failure to gain traction proved to be a massive disappointment for Valve, even to co-founder Gabe Newell. In an interview on IGN First, Newell said he and Valve looked to Artifact and other failed projects as valuable learning experiences. Valve’s next project, DOTA Underlords (a streamlined version of the popular Auto Chess mod) managed to beat Artifact’s player count in two hours.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/18/ign-first-half-life-alyx-gabe-newell-interview"]

Artifact managed to review fairly well, but players criticized it for its card monetization, with booster packs costing $2 a piece. Players could also earn cards via draft modes, but were required to use event tickets, which also cost money. Shortly before the launch of Artifact 2.0, Valve announced its reboot would be earned through gameplay rather than sold for money.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/ancient artifact for IGN.

Scientists have discovered that space hurricanes are real after finding evidence of one years ago that occurred over the North Pole. As if the revelation of space hurricanes wasn't enough, the scientists also learned that it rained down charged electrons, according to a new abstract on Nature.com as reported by The Weather Channel. A Shandong University research team recorded a swirl-type formation of plasma above the North Pole on August 20, 2014, and it's now been determined, years later, that the glowing swirl was actually a space hurricane. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=gorgeous-photos-of-earth-from-space&captions=true"] "Until now, it was uncertain that space plasma hurricanes even existed, so to prove this with such a striking observation is incredible," University of Reading space environment physicist, Mike Lockwood, said in a statement to The Weather Channel. This hurricane was observed in the magnetosphere – no, this isn't related to the X-Men, although that'd be awesome – which is the space surrounding Earth where charged particles are affected by, in this case, the Earth's magnetic field. It was this magnetosphere that helped scientists to determine that the 2014 space hurricane rained down charged electrons. The electrons rained down into the planet's ionosphere, which is, "a part of the Earth’s upper atmosphere that is ionized or charged by solar radiation," according to The Weather Channel, which created an enormous, cyclone-shaped aurora. This aurora, and any aurora commonly see in the North Pole or South Pole regions of the world, occur when there's a disturbance in the magnetosphere. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/04/human-made-space-bubble-is-shielding-the-earth-from-radiation"] According to the scientists and their abstract, this space hurricane was made of plasma and featured multiple outbursting arms that swirled in a counterclockwise direction at speeds as fast as 2100 meters per second or 4698 miles per hour. Much like the hurricanes that happen down here on Earth, the eye of this space hurricane basically remained still while the rest of the storm swirled quickly around it. The results of the team's findings mean that aurora can now be used to potentially identify space hurricanes. It also means that the magnetosphere, previously deemed a calm region, can be the location of some severe conditions, like that of a space hurricane, which could possibly affect the lower spheres of Earth, according to The Weather Channel. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/06/24/igns-top-10-best-disaster-movies"] "This study suggests that there are still existing local intense geomagnetic disturbance and energy depositions, which is comparable to that during superstorms," Shandong University space physicist and study lead, Qing-He Zhang, wrote in the abstract. "This will update our understanding of the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling process under extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions." For more science, check out this story about dust storms on Mars that glow purple with tiny sparks and then read about these spooky circles in space that are puzzling astronomers. Check out IGN's list of the top 10 best disaster movies ever made after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.