Full Breakdown
Trees Emit Ultraviolet Light During Thunderstorms: A Groundbreaking Discovery
3/10/2026, 11:07:39 AM
Unveiling the Phenomenon of Coronae
For the first time, researchers have documented the emission of ultraviolet light, known as coronae, from trees during thunderstorms. This phenomenon, previously hypothesized but never observed in nature, was captured by a team led by meteorologist Patrick McFarland from Pennsylvania State University. The study aimed to provide tangible evidence of the electrical activity associated with thunderstorms, which involves significant charge redistribution within towering cumulonimbus clouds.
The research team utilized advanced technology, including a weather station, electric field detector, and ultraviolet camera, mounted on a vehicle to track these emissions in real-time. The results revealed bursts of ultraviolet light from sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) trees along the U.S. East Coast, with 41 distinct bursts recorded during a storm in North Carolina.
The Mechanics Behind the Glow
The coronae observed are the result of electrical charges induced by storm activity. As thunderstorms generate turbulence, moisture-laden trees provide a pathway for electrical currents. When these charges accumulate at the tips of leaves, they emit faint ultraviolet light. McFarland noted that if one had "superhuman vision," they would see a glow across the treetops during a thunderstorm, likening it to a display of "thousands of UV-flashing fireflies."
Each corona emitted approximately 100 billion photons at a wavelength of around 260 nanometers, indicating a significant electrical discharge. The study suggests that similar emissions were observed across multiple storm events from Florida to Pennsylvania, highlighting the widespread nature of this phenomenon.
Implications for Forest Ecology and Atmospheric Chemistry
The discovery of coronae has broader implications for understanding forest ecology and atmospheric chemistry. The researchers emphasize the need to reevaluate the effects of these electrical surges on trees, particularly in the context of a warming climate, which may increase the frequency of thunderstorms. Potential consequences include damage to tree branches and alterations in the removal of hydrocarbons emitted by trees.
McFarland and his team concluded that the impacts of coronae on forest health, evolution, and thunderstorm electrification warrant further investigation. The study was published in *Geophysical Research Letters*.
Public Reaction and Future Exploration
The revelation of this electrical phenomenon has garnered significant attention on social media, with meteorologist Jordan Steele sharing images of the coronae. Enthusiastic responses from the public highlight a renewed interest in capturing this phenomenon, with many aspiring photographers expressing a desire to document the elusive ultraviolet light.
As researchers continue to explore the implications of coronae, the excitement surrounding this discovery may inspire further studies into the intricate relationships between thunderstorms and forest ecosystems.
