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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:51
Method for Recording Broadband High Resolution Emission Spectra of Laboratory Lightning Arcs
Published on: August 27, 2019
An unusual lightning flash at kennedy space center
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 7, 1978
Summary
Researchers studied a powerful lightning flash at Kennedy Space Center. The flash
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science and meteorology.
- Electromagnetism and lightning physics.
Background:
- Lightning phenomena are complex and require detailed study.
- Understanding lightning discharge mechanisms is crucial for safety and atmospheric research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of an unusually powerful lightning flash.
- To investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of lightning discharge processes.
Main Methods:
- Multi-group observational study of a lightning event.
- Analysis of lightning current, leader duration, and channel characteristics.
- Correlation of discharge with meteorological data and precipitation echoes.
Main Results:
- The lightning flash exhibited large peak currents and a short-duration stepped leader.
- Charged regions were located between 6-8 km altitude with temperatures of -10 to -20°C.
- The charge source for the initial return stroke was linked to graupel or hail, with subsequent strokes near precipitation echo edges.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into the microphysical processes driving lightning generation.
- The findings contribute to a better understanding of charge structure within thunderstorms.
- An associated intracloud discharge highlights the complexity of lightning events.
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