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Penn State Researchers Uncover Lightning's Gamma Ray Secrets

8/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Penn State University, under the guidance of Victor Pasko, have unveiled the secrets of lightning formation. Their groundbreaking study shows that gamma rays and electron avalanches, ignited by powerful electric fields in thunderclouds, spark lightning. This revelation promises to revolutionize storm predictions and mitigate lightning hazards, transforming the fields of meteorology and atmospheric science.

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Story summary

Researchers at Penn State University, under the guidance of Victor Pasko, have unveiled the secrets of lightning formation. Their groundbreaking study shows that gamma rays and electron avalanches, ignited by powerful electric fields in thunderclouds, spark lightning. This revelation promises to revolutionize storm predictions and mitigate lightning hazards, transforming the fields of meteorology and atmospheric science.