⚡ Scientists discover how lightning is born: a chain reaction

Lightning has always captured humanity. Consequently, but its origin precise in the storm clouds remained an enigma. Therefore, A team of researchers thinks they have pierced this mystery thanks to a major discovery.

Scientists have identified how intense electric fields in the clouds accelerate electrons, causing chain reactions. Consequently, These collisions generate X -rays and high photons energyfinally triggering a flash.

Artistic representation of a spy plane from NASA recording gamma terrestrial lightning in. Furthermore, the storm clouds.
Credit: NASA/Aloft Team.

The mathematical model developed by the team reproduces the conditions observed in the storm clouds. However, He explains how electrons, accelerated by electric fields, produce X -rays by hitting air molecules. This phenomenon, known as electron avalanche, is necessary to understand the ⚡ scientists discover how lightning initiation of lightning. To put it simply. the electric fields in the storm clouds accelerate the electrons at speeds close to that of light. These electrons collide with the air molecules, releasing X -rays and high energy photons.

This process creates an avalanche of electrons, where each collision generates new energy particles. This chain reaction is at the origin of the initiation of lightning, a phenomenon which occurs in a few milliseconds.

The specific conditions in the clouds, such as the presence of ice crystals, can amplify these electric fields. This explains why certain thunderstorms produce more lightning than others, depending on their internal structure.

Field observations, combined with simulations, have validated this theory. Researchers used data from sensors on the ground, of satellites and high planes altitude.

The gamma terrestrial lightning (see next chapter), often without detectable optical or radio signals, also found an explanation. The model shows how ⚡ scientists discover how lightning these events can occur in very compact volumes. This explains why they can appear without the usual signatures of lightning.

This research opens up new perspectives for understanding extreme atmospheric phenomena. It could also have implications for air security and thunderstorm forecasting. The model equations are now available for other scientists.

⚡ scientists discover how lightning

What is a terrestrial gamma lightning?

The gamma terrestrial lightning is puffs of high energy radiation produced in the storm clouds. Unlike visible lightning, they do not always emit detectable light or radio waves.

These events are the result of relativistic electrons avalanches, where particles reach extreme energies. They can occur in small areas of the clouds, which makes them difficult to observe without specialized instruments.

Gamma terrestrial lightning is an example of the energy phenomena that occur in our atmosphere. Their study helps scientists better understand physical processes at work during thunderstorms.