Physicists, utilizing the ALOFT observatory plane, have identified a new type of gamma radiation occurring in storm clouds over the Caribbean Sea and Central America. Previously, scientists recognized only two forms of gamma radiation linked to thunderstorms: lightning-induced flashes and “thunderstorm” bursts in the upper atmosphere. This newly discovered radiation fills a gap as an intermediate phenomenon that had only been hypothesized before.
The detection of 24 gamma-ray flashes, lasting from tens to hundreds of milliseconds, was made possible by advanced detectors aboard ALOFT. These bursts reveal complex physical processes occurring within storm clouds, significantly expanding our understanding of the interplay between atmospheric phenomena and high-energy radiation.
The findings reshape our understanding of thunderstorm dynamics, demonstrating that clouds harbor processes previously unknown. Researchers emphasize that this discovery will deepen insights into the mechanisms driving the interaction between atmospheric phenomena and high-frequency energy.
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