June 19, 1996:
Scientists from NASA's Space Sciences Laboratory at
the Marshall Space Flight Center are studying Earth's severe thunderstorms
through the observation of lightning from space. Using the Optical
Transient Detector (OTD) currently in low-Earth orbit, Space Science
Laboratory scientists are producing the most comprehensive picture to date
of the global distribution of thunderstorms. The experiment, launched in
1995, can observe from space lightning discharges both day and night. Furthermore,
unlike the lightning detection network currently in use by operational meteorologists,
the OTD detects all types of lightning, not just that which makes it to
the ground. This fact is very important in the study of storm dynamics and
potential use of the data for advance warning of severe weather.
Cyclones, tropical storms, and hurricanes produce lightning cues that often
precede the intensification of these storms prior to landfall. We as yet
do not understand why some hurricanes produce lightning while others do
not. The Optical Transient Detector Mission observed lighting from numerous
hurricanes during the 1995 Atlantic Hurricane Season, one of the most active
in the past 30 years. OTD observations of severe storms over land have indicated
promise in better understanding and predicting the development of severe
storms such as tornados. Such observations and forthcoming experiments will
help us determine the role that lightning plays in the complex dynamics
of severe weather.
In addition to understanding severe weather phenomenon, the study of lightning
has important implications for aircraft operations, atmospheric chemistry,
and rainfall measurement.
For more information on lightning from space, please contact
Dr. Hugh Christian
Code ES41
NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville AL 35812
Join our
growing list of subscribers - sign
up for our express news delivery and you will receive a mail message
every time we post a new story!!!
Headlinesreturn to Space Sciences Laboratory Home
Author: Paul
Meyer
Curator: Bryan Walls
NASA Official: John M. Horack