Based on reports from Nature, a retrofitted U-2 spy plane has revealed that most tropical thunderstorms are radioactive, producing various forms of gamma radiation far more frequently than previously thought, challenging our understanding of storm physics and atmospheric phenomena.
Gamma Radiation in Thunderstorms
Gamma radiation in thunderstorms is far more prevalent than previously believed, with research indicating that essentially all large tropical storms generate gamma rays throughout their duration12. Using a NASA ER-2 aircraft - a modified U-2 spy plane - scientists conducted unprecedented close observations of storm dynamics, revealing that over half of all thunderstorms in the tropics are radioactive3. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature, challenges existing models of storm physics and atmospheric radiation, opening up new avenues for understanding these complex phenomena14.
Types of Gamma Radiation
The research identified several distinct forms of gamma radiation in storms. A constant low-level "simmer" of gamma radiation, likened to steam from a boiling pot, was observed alongside short, intense bursts coinciding with lightning strikes12. Two previously unknown types of gamma bursts were also discovered:
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Extremely short bursts lasting less than a millisecond
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A series of about 10 bursts repeating over a tenth of a second, termed "flickering gamma-ray flashes" (FGFs)34
These FGFs are considered a potential "missing link" between known types of gamma flashes and may be related to lightning formation4. The variety and frequency of these radiation types suggest complex energy dynamics within thunderstorms that were previously unrecognized.
Mechanism of Gamma Ray Production
The production of gamma rays in thunderstorms involves a complex series of events triggered by the storm's powerful electric field. As the storm develops, electric charges separate, creating a field comparable to 100 million AA batteries stacked end-to-end1. This field accelerates electrons to near-light speeds, causing them to collide with air molecules and knock off more high-energy electrons1. The process cascades, eventually generating enough energy for nuclear reactions that produce gamma rays, antimatter, and other forms of radiation12. This mechanism explains the observed "gamma-glowing boiling pot" phenomenon, where each bubble represents a flash of gamma rays lasting fractions of a second3.
Implications of Findings
The discovery of widespread gamma radiation in tropical thunderstorms has significant implications for our understanding of atmospheric processes and storm dynamics. Low-level gamma radiation may act as a "pressure valve," limiting energy buildup in storms and potentially influencing their intensity and duration1. This finding challenges existing models of storm behavior and could lead to improved weather forecasting and climate modeling. Additionally, the observation of antimatter (positrons) production in these storms opens up new avenues for research in atmospheric physics2. The unexpected prevalence of radioactive phenomena in thunderstorms also raises questions about potential impacts on aviation safety and the need for updated radiation protection measures for high-altitude flights34.
