Lightning Emits X-Rays

Makarand writes "Scientists have now confirmed that lightning does emit X-rays according to this BBC News article. That lightning might emit high energy radiation was first suggested in 1925, however, confirmation had proven difficult because of the sporadic nature of lightning and the electromagnetic "noise" it generates. A team at the University of Florida built a special tower allowing them to study lightning in detail by firing rockets trailed by grounded wire into storm clouds to trigger strikes. They detected X-Ray bursts that typically lasted less than 100 microseconds. The breakdown of air by strong electrical fields when the lightning creates a path from clouds to ground may generate these X-rays."

Comments

Aha!

[xyphus]

Science has finally explained why lightning always reveals Donald Duck's skeleton!

Re:hands

[Yarn]

What a pick up line... "Want a free mammogram, my dad invented them"

You lucky, lucky man.