Radio telescope reveals lightning
A new study has used a radio telescope to detect lightning for the first time. The research, which was published in the journal Nature, found that lightning is far more common than previously thought, occurring up to twice as often as previous estimates.
The study used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), a radio telescope array located in New Mexico. The VLA was used to detect thunderstorms around the world, and to measure the strength of the lightning flashes.
The study found that lightning is most common in the tropics, where it occurs up to twice as often as in the temperate zones. The study also found that the strength of the lightning flashes varies significantly, with the strongest flashes occurring in the tropics.
The study’s lead author, Timothy Lang, said that the findings could help to improve our understanding of the Earth’s climate. “This research is important because it helps us to better understand the global electric circuit,” said Lang. “This circuit is important in controlling the Earth’s climate.”
The study’s other authors include David Smith and Yongyuan Wang of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
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What triggers lightning?
What triggers lightning?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as there are several factors that can contribute to the creation of a lightning strike. However, there are some common triggers that are often cited.
One of the most common triggers of lightning is thunderstorms. A thunderstorm is created when a warm, moist air mass meets a colder air mass. This clash of air masses creates instability in the atmosphere, which can lead to the formation of thunderstorms. Within a thunderstorm, there is a tremendous amount of electrical charges, and it is this electricity that ultimately creates lightning.
Another common trigger of lightning is cumulonimbus clouds. These are tall, fluffy clouds that often signal the presence of a thunderstorm. Cumulonimbus clouds are formed when moist air rises rapidly, causing the water vapor in the air to condense. This creates a lot of instability in the atmosphere, which can lead to the formation of thunderstorms and lightning.
Finally, lightning can also be triggered by a wildfire. A wildfire creates a lot of heat and instability in the atmosphere, which can lead to the formation of thunderstorms and lightning.
What is red lightning?
Red lightning is a type of electrical discharge that is characterized by its red coloring. It is similar to ordinary lightning, but is typically seen in storm cells that are lower in the atmosphere. Red lightning is caused by the same electric fields that produce ordinary lightning, but the red coloring is caused by the presence of particulates in the atmosphere. These particulates scatter sunlight in such a way that the light is more likely to be reflected in the red end of the spectrum.
What is the voltage of lightning?
What is the voltage of lightning?
Lightning is an electric discharge that typically occurs during a thunderstorm. It is caused by a buildup of electrical charge in the atmosphere. The voltage of lightning can be as high as 30,000 volts.
What’s inside of lightning?
A bolt of lightning is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. It is also one of the most mysterious. Although we have a general understanding of how it works, scientists are still working to unlock all of its secrets. What’s inside of lightning? Let’s take a closer look.
Lightning is a discharge of electricity that occurs when an electrical potential (difference in voltage) builds up between two points in the atmosphere. This potential can be caused by a number of factors, including thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, and even the ocean.
When the potential reaches a certain level, a spark of electricity will jump between the two points. This spark is what we see as lightning. The spark is actually a very short-lived plasma discharge.
Lightning is an extremely hot and dangerous phenomenon. The temperature of a lightning bolt can reach up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
Lightning can also be very destructive. It is responsible for more than $2 billion in damage each year in the United States alone.
Despite its danger, lightning is a fascinating and awe-inspiring phenomenon. It is one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
Where does lightning strike the most?
Where does lightning strike the most?
This is a question that has puzzled people for centuries. And while we still don’t have a definitive answer, we do have some idea of where lightning is more likely to occur.
One of the main factors that determines where lightning will strike is the climate. In warm, moist climates, thunderstorms are more likely to occur, and as a result, lightning is more likely to strike.
Another important factor is the topography of an area. Mountains, hills, and other high-elevation areas are more likely to experience lightning than low-lying areas. This is because these areas create what is known as a “lightning ridge” – a place where the air is colder and more likely to produce lightning.
Finally, the location of objects in an area can also play a role in determining where lightning will strike. For example, tall buildings, radio towers, and other objects that protrude into the sky are more likely to be hit by lightning than other objects.
So, while we can’t say with certainty where lightning will strike, we can say that it is more likely to occur in warm, moist climates, in areas with high elevations, and in areas with tall objects.
What happens if a helicopter gets struck by lightning?
A helicopter is a marvel of engineering, able to fly in a variety of weather conditions. But what happens if a helicopter gets struck by lightning?
The most important thing to remember is that a helicopter is not a magic wand – it cannot prevent lightning from striking. When a helicopter is struck by lightning, it can cause a lot of damage.
The first thing that happens is the lightning will travel through the metal body of the helicopter. This can cause a lot of heat, and can easily start a fire. The lightning can also cause electrical faults, which can easily lead to a crash.
The lightning can also cause serious injury to the people inside the helicopter. It can cause burns, and can also cause the people to suffer from cardiac arrest.
In short, a helicopter that is struck by lightning can be seriously damaged. The heat can start a fire, the electrical faults can cause a crash, and the people inside can be seriously injured. It is important to remember that a helicopter is not a magic wand – it cannot prevent lightning from striking.
What is the rarest color of lightning?
What is the rarest color of lightning?
That is a difficult question to answer definitively, as there are many types of lightning and each can exhibit a range of colors. However, some types of lightning are more rare than others, and can be said to exhibit rare colors.
For example, blue lightning is relatively rare. This is because blue lightning is typically produced by storm cells that are farther away from the observer, and these storms are less common than those that produce other colors of lightning.
Another type of lightning that is considered rare is purple lightning. This type of lightning is particularly rare, and is only observed a few times a year.
So, what is the rarest color of lightning? This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many types of lightning and each can exhibit a range of colors. However, some types of lightning are more rare than others, and can be said to exhibit rare colors.