Najdlhší zaznamenaný blesk: 830 km a ďalšie prekvapivé objavy
Descubrieron el rayo más largo jamás registrado: ¡830 km! También, cómo la contaminación y los rayos cósmicos influyen en su frecuencia e incluso representan un peligro para satélites y astronautas.
Recently, an astonishing finding was confirmed: the longest recorded lightning flash stretched an incredible 830 kilometers (515 miles) across North America. In an engaging video, Anton Petrov discusses not only this record-breaking phenomenon but also lightning myths, how it's observed from space, and the surprising impacts of human activity on lightning frequency. Join us as we explore these fascinating discoveries!
Key Takeaways
- Record-Breaking Lightning: The confirmed longest recorded lightning flash is 830 km long, surpassing the previous record by almost 70 km.
- Lightning Myths: Lightning does strike the same place multiple times, and most lightning occurs horizontally within clouds, not vertically to the ground.
- Observation from Space: Satellites with Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) technology are ideal for tracking horizontal lightning discharges.
- "Hotspots": The Great Plains of North America and the Río de la Plata basin in South America are hotspots for megaflashes.
- Impact of Cosmic Radiation: Cosmic ray particles can create pathways in clouds, potentially triggering lightning discharges.
- Human Impact – Air Pollution: Increased lightning frequency is linked to air pollution (sulfur emissions), which serve as cloud condensation nuclei.
- "Killer Electrons": Lightning can interact with Van Allen belts, releasing dangerous electrons that threaten satellites and astronauts.
Horizontal Lightning: A View from Space
Traditionally, we've focused on vertical lightning discharges – those that strike the ground. However, Anton Petrov shows us that horizontal discharges within clouds are far more common. These phenomena are difficult to observe from Earth, but satellites equipped with GLM technology provide a unique perspective on these extensive electrical phenomena. It was precisely with the help of these satellites that the record-breaking lightning flash measuring almost 830 kilometers could be confirmed!
Records and "Hotspots"
New technologies have allowed us to record not only the length but also the duration and intensity of lightning flashes. In addition to the longest lightning flash, a record for the longest-duration flash (17.1 seconds) and "superflashes" with immense power – up to 3 terawatts! – have also been confirmed. At the same time, it appears that certain areas are predisposed to the occurrence of megaflashes. The Great Plains of North America and the Río de la Plata basin in South America are hotspots for these phenomena, which is caused by turbulent conditions creating enormous electrical charges – known as mesoscale convective systems.
Impact of Cosmic Radiation and Human Activity
Research suggests that cosmic ray particles (from supermassive black holes) may also play a role in the formation of lightning. These particles could create pathways in clouds, facilitating the formation of lightning discharges. Even more surprising is the finding about the impact of human activity on lightning frequency. Air pollution, specifically sulfur emissions from burning fossil fuels (e.g., during transport), increases the frequency of lightning because particle emissions serve as cloud condensation nuclei. Following the implementation of stricter regulations on sulfur content in ship fuels, a significant reduction in lightning strikes over major shipping corridors was observed – a clear demonstration of human impact!
Lightning and Space: A Danger to Satellites and Astronauts
Lightning is not just a terrestrial phenomenon. It interacts with Van Allen belts, regions of charged particles around Earth. This interaction can release "killer electrons" – high-energy particles that can damage satellites and pose a risk to astronauts in space. It is therefore important to monitor lightning activity and protect our technology and human presence in space.
Conclusion
The discoveries Anton Petrov presents show that even phenomena we consider well-known, such as lightning, still hold many surprises. From record lengths to the impact of human activity and interactions with space – lightning is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that deserves our attention.
Sources:
- https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/aop/BAMS-D-25-0037.1/BAMS-D-25-0037.1.xml
- https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024JD042549
- https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/goes/index.php
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53036-4
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169809524001844
Približne 136 gCO₂ bolo uvoľnených do atmosféry a na chladenie sa spotrebovalo 0.68 l vody za účelom vygenerovania tohoto článku.
Hodnotenie článku:
Najdlhší zaznamenaný blesk: 830 km a ďalšie prekvapivé objavy
Zdôvodnenie: Článok sa hĺbavo zaoberá javom blesku, predstavuje nové objavy (najdlhší záblesk), mýty a vplyv ľudskej činnosti. Zohľadňuje rôzne faktory a poskytuje kontext z vesmíru aj z pohľadu dopadu na technológie.
Zdôvodnenie: Článok je dobre podložený vedeckými zdrojmi a prezentuje zaujímavé fakty o bleskoch. Informácie sú relevantné, jasne štruktúrované a overiteľné prostredníctvom uvedených odkazov.
Zdôvodnenie: Článok je prevažne informatívny a objektívny. Používa vedecké zdroje a prezentuje fakty o javoch súvisiacich s bleskami. Žiadna zjavná manipulácia alebo zaujatosť.
Zdôvodnenie: Článok nielen informuje o nových zisteniach týkajúcich sa bleskov, ale aj vysvetľuje príčiny a dopady (vrátane vplyvu človeka) a upozorňuje na riziká pre satelity. Ponúka nové poznatky.
Zdôvodnenie: Článok sa zameriava na vedecké objavy týkajúce sa bleskov a ich vplyvu. Neobsahuje politické vyhlásenia ani hodnotenie, je prevažne informatívny a neutrálny.
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