Research at a mountaintop observatory in Armenia has revealed insights into the origins of lightning by studying gamma-ray glows created during thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms generate strong electric fields that accelerate atmospheric free electrons, resulting in a cascade of secondary charged particles and the emission of gamma rays.
Measurements taken at the research station on Mount Aragats confirmed the existence of gamma-ray glows, providing direct evidence of the phenomenon.
The discovery of high electric field strengths near the ground challenges previous assumptions and could help solve the mystery of how lightning is initiated.