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Lightning on Earth is sparked by a powerful chain reaction from outer space
A new model may have finally solved where storm clouds get their missing energy.
In the new study, the researchers pooled data from ground-based sensors, satellites and high-altitude spy planes, and matched the information to a mathematical model that simulated the conditions in a storm cloud preceding a strike. The model's simulations supported the cosmic ray theory, showing that electrons produced by high-speed protons accelerated along electric-field lines and multiplied as they struck molecules in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen and oxygen. "In addition to being produced in very compact volumes, this runaway chain reaction can occur with highly variable strength, often leading to detectable levels of X-rays, while accompanied by very weak optical and radio emissions.
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