Lightning arises when the electric fields are strong in the thunder that disperses electrons encountering air molecules and creates X -Ray radiation. This conclusion was given by scientists from the University of Pennsylvania. The results of the study were published in the journal Geophysical Research: Atmosphere (JGRA).
For a long time, physicists believe that lightning is a relatively simple amount of discharge circulating between thunder and the surface of the Earth. However, a new study showed that this natural phenomenon could arise in a more complicated way.
Scientists have used a mathematical model to explain how the outbreak of X before lightning appears in the atmosphere. According to them, it all started with electrons formed under the influence of space rays.
These particles are accelerated by the electric fields inside the ThunderClouds, collide with air molecules and perform X -Ray radiation. In turn, giving a chain reaction, eventually leading to a zipper. This phenomenon is called gamma exclusion.
Our results give the first accurate quantitative explanation of how lightning arises in nature.
The authors compare these models with real observations – from satellites, from the ground and from high -end aircraft. This has helped to understand in the conditions that the fascist and radio signals appear in the clouds – even until lightning.
As Professor Pasko noted, such a chain reaction can occur in very compact areas of the space, similar to those whose physicists have recorded the previous gamma-rush. In addition, it can be conducted with very different power, which explains why some X -Ray epidemics in thunderstorms are not accompanied by radio or lights.
