While the conditions needed to produce lightning have been well known for some time, exactly how it forms isn't well undestood by scientists. A new study points to cosmic origins.
Thunderstorms have very turbulent environments. Strong updrafts and downdrafts sheer (negatively charged) electrons off ice and other particles creating an electric field within the cloud with a negatively charged base and a positively charged top.
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Nature hates imbalance and electricity is always looking for a path. But what initially sets up that path has been the subject of debate.
“Using our 3D radio frequency mapping and polarization technology, we noticed an unusual pattern in how lightning begins; instead of just fast positive electrical discharge, the lightning flashes were quickly followed by an even faster, negative discharge.” said Dr. Xuan-Min Shao, lead author of the study.
The timing and direction of these discharges suggest that they are not driven by the storm's electrica; field, but something outside. The research team found that cosmic ray showers, particles from outer space, play a pivotal role in creating the paths which ignite lightning flashes within thunderstorms.
Cosmic rays travel across te universe at nearly the speed of life, created by exploding stars, our own Sun, and even black holes. They are generally blocked by our atmosphere and are harmless to humans.
Researchers observed that the cosmic rays that do make through the atmosohere, pearce the storm clouds creating paths within the cloud for all that built up energy to follow.
Their results were published March 3 in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.