In a groundbreaking mission, NASA’s ER-2 aircraft, a high-altitude science marvel, has ventured into the heart of thunderstorms, unveiling the intricate relationship between lightning and atmospheric energy fields. The ALOFT project mission has given us a new look at the mysterious gamma-ray flashes in thunderclouds, potentially changing how we understand these natural events. “Thunderclouds are more than just a spectacle of nature; they are a powerhouse of energy, emitting not only lightning but also intense gamma rays,” explains Nikolai Ostgaard, principal investigator from the University of Birkeland. “Our mission with the ER-2 is to delve into the microphysics of the … Continue reading NASA’s ER-2 Uncovers Thundercloud Secrets: Gamma Rays Revealed!