NASA Pilots Collect Incredible Data on Gamma-Ray Flashes from Thunderstorms
NASA pilots recently flew a high-altitude science aircraft directly into thunderstorms, recording unprecedented data on gamma-ray flashes. These flashes are generated by thunderstorms under certain conditions and can emit two different types of gamma-ray radiation: short flashes and longer glows.
To gain a better understanding of these phenomena, an international group of scientists, including researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and three NASA centers, participated in a study called Airborne Lightning Observatory for Fly’s Eye GLM Simulator and Terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (ALOFT).
NASA’s high-altitude ER-2 (Earth Resources 2) aircraft flew as close as safely possible to thunderclouds that reached heights of up to 10 miles (18 kilometers). This allowed the researchers to gather the most detailed airborne analysis of gamma rays and thunderclouds ever recorded.
The aircraft, which flew out of Tampa, Florida, conducted over 60 hours of observations. Researchers used a unique gamma-ray detector developed at the University of Bergen to collect real-time data and direct the pilots to thunderclouds emitting gamma-ray radiation.
Another instrument aboard the aircraft, called the Fly’s Eye GLM Simulator (FEGS), captured data in near-infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, which are emitted by lightning but are invisible to current satellites. These smaller, less dense flashes are known as precursors and can indicate when storms are turning severe.
Timothy Lang from NASA stated that the data collected from this study could help scientists understand when storms are strengthening, providing crucial lead time to keep the public safe from lightning threats.
The high-altitude NASA ER-2 aircraft used in the study is one of only two owned by the agency. These aircraft can fly extremely high in the sky, above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere. Acquired by NASA in 1981 and 1989, respectively, these aircraft were based on the Lockheed U-2 spy plane.
NASA’s ER-2 aircraft have been used for various studies, including new satellite sensors, global warming, ozone levels, atmospheric phenomena, and snowfall. They have completed more than 4,500 missions to date, with one aircraft setting an extreme altitude record for its weight class in 1998, reaching 68,700 feet above Earth.
This groundbreaking study not only enhances our understanding of thunderstorms and gamma-ray flashes but also contributes to the development of advanced techniques that can improve public safety during severe weather events.