A new method for observing electrically aligned ice crystals in localized storms can detect the onset of electrification and lightning in developing storms.
lightning
Posted inNews
Lightning Struck Down as Source of a Venus Whistler
Whistlers were a key piece of evidence in favor of Venusian lightning. New measurements question the connection.
Posted inNews
Ocean Vessels May Trigger Lightning Strikes
Previous research indicated aerosols in ship exhaust could enhance lightning. New research indicates the ships themselves may be to blame as well.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Wet Conditions Delay Wildfire Detection
When accompanied by a considerable amount of rainfall, ignition of wildfire by lightning over forested land may not be detected until days later.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Lightning-Caused Wildfires are 80 Percent More Likely Under Dry Vegetation
Mimicking a randomized control trial of wildfires, scientists use satellites to uncover the key role of vegetation dryness in wildfire risk, aiding wildfire management and preparedness in California.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Simulating the Journey of Pollen in the Atmosphere
A new study couples an emission and transport scheme of pollen from vegetation, and explores pollen’s evolution in different atmospheric conditions and its impacts on clouds and precipitation.
Posted inNews
How to Bend Lightning with a Laser Beam
For the first time, scientists have redirected lightning using a laser beam. And that’s just the start of what’s possible.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Scientists Can Now Map Lightning in 3D
A new approach enables meter-scale localization of lightning strikes. And it’s already illuminating the basic physics of the phenomenon.
Posted inENGAGE, News
New Crowdsourced Science Project Will Study Sprites
The NASA-funded project is asking sky gazers, storm chasers, and scientists to capture photos of sprites and other optical phenomena that flash above thunderclouds after a lightning strike.
Posted inNews
Salt Spray May Stifle Lightning over the Sea
New research suggests that sea-salt aerosols seed large raindrops that starve clouds of water needed to make lightning. But not all scientists are convinced it’s simply about salt spray.