Solar Winds Behind Increased Lightning

Solar Winds Behind Increased Lightning

Researchers have now found that solar wins hitting planet earth may cause an increase in lightening. This research suggests that there is an increase in the number of lightning strikes following the arrival of streams of plasma and particles known as solar wind reaching the earth from the sun. These correlations are unclear but there is some evidence indicating that the interaction of solar particles may prime the atmosphere to be more prone to lightning.

As the sun rotates every 27 days, such high-speed steams of particles reach the earth with regularity. This type of information is useful for forecasting weather conditions over a long period of time. The study was conducted by the a research team led by Chris Scott, Professor in Space and Atmospheric Physics at the University of Reading.

The notion that lightning has its roots in space phenomenon is not novel. Last year, researchers found scientific data indicating that cosmic rays are high energy beans of particles originating in supernovas can trigger lightning when it enters the atmosphere of our planet. As these cosmic rays steam into the atmosphere, they knock the electrons off the atoms and cause a chain reaction when the electrons bump into other atoms. This dislodges even more electrons. In a study conducted in 2013, researchers found that thunderclouds possess already-charged particles of water droplets as well as ice crystals which means that normal levels of cosmic rays may lead the clouds over the edge into lightning territory.

While researchers are debating whether cosmic rays play an important role in generating lightning, it has been established that the magnetic force of the solar winds could also strengthen the magnetism of the earth. Scott and his team of researchers compared records of lightening strikes from the Met Office at UK for the years from 2000 to 2005. Strikes within a 310-mile radius of central England were studied. The lightning strikes were analyzed in comparison with solar wind data from the Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft at NASA.

Rather than seeing solar winds strengthen the earth's magnetic field and keeping the cosmic rays out, scientists found that the very opposite occurred. There were more lightning strikes following the gust of solar wind than before. Following the arrival of a strong solar wind, there were about 422 lightning strikes in the studied area over a period of the next 40 days. This was a higher amount compared to 321 on an average in 40 days before the strikes.

The measurement is a possible result of larger numbers of lightning strikes, according to researchers. It could also be that the strikes are stronger and therefore they registered on the instruments used to monitor weather. The lightning peaked 12 to 18 days following the arrival of the solar winds. As these streams wash past the earth, they bring about a population of energetic particles to penetrate the atmosphere. It helps to modulate lightning rates, according to the researchers.

Solar winds are easy to predict so they can prove to be accurate precursors for lightning. Increased lightning risk can be precisely estimated in this way. Increased thunderstorm activity of the earth and streams of high-energy particles emerging from the solar wind. Ancient man used to fear lightning. Modern man studies how to predict it. Science has the capacity to solve problems. We have come a long way when it comes to science an technology. But, given the infinite nature of the universe, the search for answers never ceases.