NASA's ER-2 Uncovers Thundercloud Secrets: Gamma Rays Revealed!

NASA's ER-2 aircraft ventured into the heart of thunderstorms, unveiling the relationship between lightning and atmospheric energy fields.

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"Thunderclouds are a powerhouse of energy, emitting not only lightning but also intense gamma rays," explains Nikolai Ostgaard.

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The ER-2's capability to soar at 60,000 feet offers an unparalleled vantage point.

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A thundercloud gets charged due to the electric friction between humid air and cold air crystals.

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"Our instruments observe a photon of a lightning flash every microsecond," Ostgaard elaborated.

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NASA collaborated with the University of Bergen, Norway, on the ALOFT project.

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Their main goal was to study lightning glows and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.

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"The insights gathered could help scientists predict storm intensification," says NASA's Timothy Lang.

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Ostgaard believes the mission will pave the way for a deeper understanding of lightning.

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