Lightning takes place when strong electric fields of thunderstorms accelerate electrons colliding with air molecules and create X-rays. Scientists from Pennsylvania State University have reached this conclusion. The results of the study were published by "Geophysical Studies. Atmosphere "(JGRA) magazine.
For a long time, physicists thought that lightning is a relatively simple electric discharge that is circulated between thunderstorms and the earth's surface. However, a new study has shown that this natural phenomenon may occur in a more complex way.
Scientists have used a mathematical model to explain how X-rays appear in the atmosphere before lightning. According to them, everything starts with electrons used under the influence of cosmic rays.
These particles are accelerated by electric fields inside the thunderstorms, collide with air molecules and cause X-rays. This, in turn, starts a chain reaction that, after all, leads to lightning. This phenomenon is known as earthly gamma-radial flare.
"Our results give the first exact quantitative explanation of lightning in nature," said Victor Pasco, head of the study.
The authors compared these models to real observations from satellites, the ground and high height planes. This helped us to understand the circumstances of the X-ray and radio signal explosions appear in the clouds, even before lightning.
According to Professor Pasco, such a chain reaction can take place in many compact areas of the universe, such areas where physicists have previously registered gamma-radiation flares. It can also take place with a lot of different intensity, which explains why some X-rays during the thunderstorms are not accompanied by radio waves or light outbreaks.
Translation of: Manuel Tamazyan
