Overlooked Weather Phenomenon Produces Gamma Rays in Our Atmosphere
Scientists discovered Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs) generate gamma rays during thunderstorms. Research in Armenia recorded 56 TGEs in 2023, revealing electric fields extend closer to the ground than previously thought.
Read original article
Scientists have discovered that thunderstorms produce a phenomenon known as Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs), which generate gamma rays in the Earth's atmosphere. Research conducted at the Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory in Armenia has revealed that intense electric fields created by thunderstorms accelerate electrons to relativistic speeds, resulting in the emission of gamma rays when these electrons collide with atomic nuclei. The team, led by physicist Ashot Chilingarian, established a network of particle detectors to monitor TGEs across Europe, recording significant data during 56 intense events in 2023. The most powerful TGE occurred in Slovakia, with particle flux levels 100 times higher than normal. The researchers found that the electric fields associated with TGEs extend much closer to the ground than previously thought, with strong electric field strengths detected as low as 50 meters above the surface. This new understanding of TGEs could provide insights into lightning strikes and the broader implications for geophysics. The team has made their TGE data publicly available for further scientific exploration. Their research also intersects with solar activity, as they have been monitoring solar events and their effects on the atmosphere, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric and cosmic phenomena.
- Thunderstorms generate gamma rays through a phenomenon called Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs).
- TGEs involve electric fields that accelerate electrons to relativistic speeds, producing gamma rays upon collision with atomic nuclei.
- Research recorded 56 intense TGEs in 2023, with the most powerful event occurring in Slovakia.
- Electric fields associated with TGEs are found much closer to the ground than previously believed, impacting our understanding of lightning.
- The research team has made their TGE data available for further scientific analysis.
Related
What Could Explain the Gallium Anomaly?
Physicists investigate the Gallium Anomaly in the Caucasus Mountains, where gallium converts unexpectedly to germanium due to neutrino interactions. Speculations on sterile neutrinos persist, challenging current neutrino physics understanding.
We may finally know what caused the biggest cosmic explosion ever seen
Astronomers have identified a new energetic peak in gamma ray burst GRB221009A, suggesting a novel physical process. This challenges previous assumptions and may indicate similar features in other bursts.
"Frost Crack" Sounds May Come from Sky, Not Trees
Recent research by Unto Laine suggests that "frost crack" sounds, traditionally linked to trees, may actually originate from the sky, correlating with geomagnetic activity during temperature inversion. Further validation is needed.
NASA Discovers a Long-Sought Global Electric Field on Earth
NASA confirmed Earth's ambipolar electric field, essential for atmospheric dynamics and polar wind. The Endurance mission measured it, enhancing understanding of atmospheric evolution and potential implications for other planets.
'Unidentified Seismic Object' Shook Earth for Nine Days–Now We Know What It Was
In September 2023, a massive landslide in Greenland caused a 200-meter-high mega-tsunami, highlighting climate change's impact on geological stability and prompting a reevaluation of scientific methodologies to address such events.
0 commentsRelated
What Could Explain the Gallium Anomaly?
Physicists investigate the Gallium Anomaly in the Caucasus Mountains, where gallium converts unexpectedly to germanium due to neutrino interactions. Speculations on sterile neutrinos persist, challenging current neutrino physics understanding.
We may finally know what caused the biggest cosmic explosion ever seen
Astronomers have identified a new energetic peak in gamma ray burst GRB221009A, suggesting a novel physical process. This challenges previous assumptions and may indicate similar features in other bursts.
"Frost Crack" Sounds May Come from Sky, Not Trees
Recent research by Unto Laine suggests that "frost crack" sounds, traditionally linked to trees, may actually originate from the sky, correlating with geomagnetic activity during temperature inversion. Further validation is needed.
NASA Discovers a Long-Sought Global Electric Field on Earth
NASA confirmed Earth's ambipolar electric field, essential for atmospheric dynamics and polar wind. The Endurance mission measured it, enhancing understanding of atmospheric evolution and potential implications for other planets.
'Unidentified Seismic Object' Shook Earth for Nine Days–Now We Know What It Was
In September 2023, a massive landslide in Greenland caused a 200-meter-high mega-tsunami, highlighting climate change's impact on geological stability and prompting a reevaluation of scientific methodologies to address such events.