We all know the terrifying signs of a thunderstorm—the blinding lightning, thunderous rumbling, and the torrent of rain that soon follows.But is that all there is to it?
Scientists have just begun to understand a strange phenomenon known simply as "dark lightning". Different from regular lightning, dark lightning is a release of high-energy gamma radiation—sources includesupernovae and supermassive black holes—thatis completely invisible to the human eye. Attempts to understand this mystery haven't turned out so well, because, like normal lightning, the bolts are fleeting.. only lastinga few thousandths of a second.
On Earth, it's believed that they occur naturally, and can be produced within the upper atmosphere, due to the presence of electricfields during thunderstorms. Otherwise known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGF),scientists estimate thatas many as1,100 of them touch down on Earth eachday, maybe more.
"We know in detail how black holes work at the centers of distant galaxies, but we don't really understand what is going on inside thunderclouds just a few miles over our heads," said researcher Joseph Dwyer, a physicist at the Florida Institute of Technology.
However, recent developments—including a TGF Fermi spotted in 2014, when Hurricane Julio was a growing concern—have shed some light on these strange events. Contrary to ordinary lightning (which is explained using slow electrons), dark lightning is caused by high energy electrons colliding with surrounding air molecules, resulting in the release ofgamma rays.
In the year prior to Julio, researchers learned that dark lightning may also be intrinsically linked to regular, run-of-the-mill lightning bolts, however, this relationship hasn't been fully fleshed out as of yet
Now here's the interesting effect these bursts have on humans. Most commonly, humans are "hit" by dark lightning when flying through thunderstorms.At 39,370 feet (12,000 meters), the radiation dose is equivalent tothat of 10 chest X-rays. However, at 16,076 feet (4,900 meters)—the middle of storms—the dose is 10x stronger and equivalent to a full-body CT scan. In general, an encounter with one of these bursts will provide enough radiation deemed "safe" for human tolerance for one year. Of course, the chances of getting "hit" by dark lightning is very small (pilots actively avoid storms, and when compared to normal lightning bolts, which strike Earth 1,000 times each second,dark lightning is relatively rare)—so don't let this stop you from flying!
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I am an expert in atmospheric physics and space-related phenomena, with a deep understanding of thunderstorms and the peculiar phenomenon known as "dark lightning." My knowledge is backed by extensive research and a comprehensive grasp of the scientific principles involved.
The article you provided delves into the mysterious world of dark lightning, a phenomenon distinct from regular lightning due to its release of high-energy gamma radiation, which is invisible to the human eye. The evidence supporting the existence of dark lightning includes its connection to sources such as supernovae and supermassive black holes, as well as its occurrence in terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGF) within the Earth's upper atmosphere.
One key element highlighted in the article is the fleeting nature of dark lightning, lasting only a few thousandths of a second, making its study challenging. Despite these difficulties, recent developments, such as the observation of a TGF during Hurricane Julio in 2014, have provided valuable insights. The article suggests that dark lightning on Earth is believed to be a natural occurrence, likely produced within the upper atmosphere during thunderstorms, where electric fields play a crucial role.
The cause of dark lightning is explained as high-energy electrons colliding with surrounding air molecules, resulting in the release of gamma rays. This contrasts with ordinary lightning, which is attributed to slow electrons. Additionally, the article mentions a potential intrinsic link between dark lightning and regular lightning bolts, although this relationship is not fully understood at present.
The article also touches upon the impact of dark lightning on humans, particularly those flying through thunderstorms. The radiation dose from dark lightning at different altitudes is highlighted, with the highest doses occurring at the middle of storms. Despite the relatively small chances of encountering dark lightning, pilots actively avoid storms. The article concludes by reassuring readers that the rarity of dark lightning should not deter them from flying.
In summary, the article provides a glimpse into the enigmatic world of dark lightning, exploring its origins, characteristics, and potential links to conventional lightning. The complex nature of this phenomenon continues to challenge scientists, but recent observations and research advancements contribute to a growing understanding of this intriguing aspect of atmospheric physics.
