The strongest lightning phenomenon on Earth is known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, or TGFs. These powerful bursts of energy are considered to be among the highest-energy light that naturally occurs on our planet. TGFs are so intense that they have the potential to blind satellite sensors even when they occur hundreds of miles away.
TGFs are a type of lightning that produces extremely high-energy gamma rays. Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays but with even higher energy. They are typically associated with nuclear reactions and high-energy cosmic events, so the fact that they occur naturally on Earth is quite remarkable.
The discovery of TGFs was made possible by satellite observations. In the early 1990s, scientists began noticing brief bursts of gamma rays originating from thunderstorms. These bursts were initially thought to be originating from space, but further investigation revealed that they were actually coming from Earth’s atmosphere.
The exact mechanism behind TGFs is still not fully understood, but scientists believe that they are produced by the interaction of high-energy electrons within thunderstorms. When lightning discharges occur within a storm, they can accelerate electrons to extremely high energies. These energetic electrons then collide with air molecules, producing gamma rays as a result.
TGFs are incredibly intense, with energies reaching up to several tens of millions of electron volts. To put this into perspective, the energy of visible light is typically measured in electron volts, with each photon having an energy of around 1-3 electron volts. So, TGFs are millions of times more energetic than visible light.
The intensity of TGFs poses a significant challenge for satellite sensors. These bursts of gamma rays can blind the sensors on satellites designed to observe Earth, even when they occur at great distances. This can be problematic for satellite-based instruments that rely on accurate measurements of Earth’s atmosphere and climate.
Despite their potential to interfere with satellite observations, TGFs are not considered a major threat to human safety. The bursts of gamma rays are typically short-lived and localized within thunderstorms. The chances of being directly exposed to a TGF are extremely low.
Terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) are the strongest lightning phenomena on Earth. They are incredibly powerful bursts of high-energy gamma rays that can blind satellite sensors hundreds of miles away. While their exact mechanism is still not fully understood, TGFs are believed to be produced by the interaction of high-energy electrons within thunderstorms. Although they pose challenges for satellite observations, TGFs are not considered a significant threat to human safety.