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First-Ever Ultraviolet Bursts from Trees During Thunderstorms

3/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

A team led by Patrick McFarland of Pennsylvania State University observed ultraviolet bursts called coronae emitted by trees during thunderstorms for the first time.
The bursts arise when electrical charges from storms induce currents in trees beneath thunderclouds, captured in North Carolina.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, notes implications for tree health and atmospheric chemistry as thunderstorms increase with climate change.

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Story summary

A team led by Patrick McFarland of Pennsylvania State University observed ultraviolet bursts called coronae emitted by trees during thunderstorms for the first time.
The bursts arise when electrical charges from storms induce currents in trees beneath thunderclouds, captured in North Carolina.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, notes implications for tree health and atmospheric chemistry as thunderstorms increase with climate change.