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First Natural Occurrence of Coronae Discovered on Tree Leaves

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pennsylvania State University researchers documented the first natural occurrence of coronae on tree leaves during thunderstorms.
They used a modified Toyota Sienna with a UV camera to capture glows moving between leaves in Pembroke, North Carolina.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, suggests coronae are more common than thought and could affect tree canopies.
Repeated coronae could damage leaf tips and the protective cuticle, prompting further ecological investigation.

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Story summary

Pennsylvania State University researchers documented the first natural occurrence of coronae on tree leaves during thunderstorms.
They used a modified Toyota Sienna with a UV camera to capture glows moving between leaves in Pembroke, North Carolina.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, suggests coronae are more common than thought and could affect tree canopies.
Repeated coronae could damage leaf tips and the protective cuticle, prompting further ecological investigation.