A new study identifies singlet-delta metastable oxygen molecules as the cause of lightning’s zigzag pattern…
Browsing: Lightning
Lightning is a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage that occurs between clouds, between a cloud and the air, or between a cloud and the ground. This spectacular phenomenon is part of a thunderstorm and typically occurs when warm, moist air rises and creates electrical charges in storm clouds. The separation of positive and negative charges within the cloud, or between the cloud and ground, results in the buildup of electrical potential. When this potential exceeds the insulating capacity of the air, it breaks down and results in a discharge: lightning. The rapid heating and cooling of air near the lightning channel causes a shock wave that manifests as thunder. Beyond its dramatic visual and auditory displays, lightning is significant for its impacts on atmospheric chemistry, such as the production of nitrogen oxides, and its role in the Earth’s nitrogen cycle. It can also pose serious threats to life and property, leading to wildfires, power outages, and damage to structures.
You’ve undoubtedly gazed out of the window to marvel at a lightning storm in all…
A sensor installed on the International Space Station is yielding fresh insights into the global…
Scientists in South African and the UK have found the smoking gun in forensic lightning…
Solar flares jetting out from the sun and thunderstorms generated on Earth impact the planet’s…
University of California, Irvine-led team reports that an increase in lightning will drive both wildfires…
Lightning may have sparked life by delivering key phosphorus, much like meteorites. Lightning strikes were…
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel way of predicting lightning strikes to the nearest…
A storm system approaches: the sky darkens, and the low rumble of thunder echoes from…
In 2011 researchers realized that they could use NASA’s Vector Electric Field Instrument aboard the…
Lasers beams have been used for the first time to trigger and divert lightning bolts.…