A multi-sensor detection of an intense gamma-ray flash, which occurs when two lightning leaders collided, has been observed.
A multi-sensor detection of an intense gamma-ray flash, which occurs when two lightning leaders collided, has been observed. Observations across a wide radiation spectrum enabled precise measurement of the electric current produced during this extreme event, and demonstrated that the gamma-ray flash preceded the collision of the lightning leaders between the thundercloud and the ground.
Lightning is a phenomenon that has fascinated humanity since time immemorial, providing a stark example of the power and unpredictability of the natural world. Although the study of lightning can be challenging, scientists have, in recent years, made great strides in developing our understanding of this extreme spectacle., led by researchers from The University of Osaka, describes a world-first observation of an intense burst of radiation, known as a terrestrial gamma-ray flash , synchronized with a lightning discharge. "The ability to study extreme processes such as TGFs originating in lightning allows us to better understand the high-energy processes occurring in Earth's atmosphere," explains Yuuki Wada, lead author of the study. It had been hypothesized that TGFs arise from lightning discharges as a result of the acceleration of electrons to very high speeds. However, the transient nature of this phenomenon, which lasts for only tens of microseconds, made it difficult to confirm this hypothesis. In this study, a state-of-the-art multi-sensor setup was used to observe TGFs emerging from lightning storms in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, including optical, radio-frequency, and high-energy radiation. Two discharge paths were observed, one descending from the thundercloud to the ground-based transmission tower and one ascending in the opposite direction. The researchers found that a TGF occurred just before the two discharge paths met, creating a highly concentrated electric field that accelerated electrons in the air to near light speed. The first TGF photon was observed 31 microseconds before the collision of the discharge paths, and the full burst lasted for 20 microseconds after they met to form the lightning strike. A discharge of −56 kA occurred as a result of the collision of lightning leaders. This observation contributes critical data to the longstanding mystery of how lightning generates enough energy to produce gamma rays -- phenomena typically associated with outer space events like supernovae or black hole jets. The study also supports emerging theories about lightning leader dynamics and the potential role of thermal runaway or relativistic feedback in these extreme bursts. "The multi-sensor observations performed here are a world-first; although some mysteries remain, this technique has brought us closer to understanding the mechanism of these fascinating radiation bursts," says Harufumi Tsuchiya, senior author. The research offers not only a rare glimpse into the inner workings of lightning, but also valuable data that could be used to improve the safety and resilience of structures vulnerable to high-energy atmospheric phenomena. Yuuki Wada, Takeshi Morimoto, Ting Wu, Daohong Wang, Hiroshi Kikuchi, Yoshitaka Nakamura, Eiichi Yoshikawa, Tomoo Ushio, Harufumi Tsuchiya.Scientists have recorded millimeter-wavelength light from a fiery explosion caused by the merger of a neutron star with another star. The team also confirmed this flash of light to be one of the ... On Aug. 26, 2020, NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope detected a pulse of high-energy radiation that had been racing toward Earth for nearly half the present age of the universe. Lasting only ... Scientists have gained the best view yet of the brightest explosions in the universe: A specialised observatory in Namibia has recorded the most energetic radiation and longest gamma-ray afterglow of ... Analysis of data from a lightning mapper and a small, hand-held radiation detector has unexpectedly shed light on what a gamma-ray burst from lightning might look like - by observing neutrons ...
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When lightning bolts collide, do they unleash powerful gamma-ray flashes?Julian Dossett is a freelance writer living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He primarily covers the rocket industry and space exploration and, in addition to science writing, contributes travel stories to New Mexico Magazine. In 2022 and 2024, his travel writing earned IRMA Awards. Previously, he worked as a staff writer at CNET.
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Scientists report world-first observation of gamma-ray flash as lightning strikesTerrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) arise from lightning discharges as a result of the acceleration of electrons to very high speeds.
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