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Method for Recording Broadband High Resolution Emission Spectra of Laboratory Lightning Arcs
Published on: August 27, 2019
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Optical observation of needles in upward lightning flashes
Marcelo M F Saba1, Amanda R de Paiva2, Luke C Concollato3
1INPE-National Institute for Space Research, Av. dos Astronautas, S. José dos Campos, 1758, Brazil. marcelo.saba@inpe.br.
Scientific Reports
|October 16, 2020
Summary
Researchers observed "needles," small plasma structures, in lightning. These pulsing radio sources may explain why lightning exhibits multiple ground discharges, a phenomenon previously unexplained.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics
- Plasma physics
- Lightning research
Background:
- The cause of multiple ground discharges in lightning remains unclear.
- Recent observations of small plasma structures, termed "needles," on positive leaders have renewed interest in this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first optical observations of
Main Methods:
- High-speed video recording of lightning events.
- Optical analysis of plasma structures within lightning leaders.
Main Results:
- "Needles" were observed blinking sequentially in slow motion.
- These structures are as bright as lightning leaders.
- Needles are formed at unsuccessful leader branches.
Conclusions:
- Optical observations confirm the existence and behavior of "needles."
- Needles are a potential key to understanding multiple lightning discharges.
- Further research is needed to solidify the link between needles and lightning flickering.
