Lightning: Strange gamma ray flashes from storms may have explanation

Flashes of gamma radiation that appear to be produced by lightning storms have puzzled researchers for a while, however now there could also be a proof

By Alex Wilkins

Lightning storms produce highly effective flashes of gamma rays, and now we might know why, after researchers captured one utilizing cameras throughout a number of wavelengths.

Gamma rays are normally seen coming from objects in space, comparable to neutron stars or pulsars, however they may also be produced by lightning storms on Earth. These terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) can harm close by electronics, comparable to these in plane, however we nonetheless don’t know precisely why they happen – solely a really small fraction of lightning occasions appear to provide them. …