Gamma Rays From Thunderclouds

KentuckyFC sends us a report of gamma rays detected at a Japanese nuclear plant, whose origin was thunderclouds high overhead (abstract, article PDF). The theory is that showers of electrons caused by cosmic rays, when they encounter the high electric fields present in thunderstorm clouds, can be accelerated to energies above 10 MeV and result in bremsstrahlung photons detectable on the ground.

Comments

Nature's own linear accelerator!

[atomicthumbs]

Just fling electrons at the blue planet where the electricity is, and see if you can hit the little dust-specks. Like billiards! Anyway, it's fun to know that each time there's a thunderstorm, and a random electron flies in from somewhere in the universe, you're getting bombarded with braking radiation. Although, considering that I'm doing experiments with X-rays in my garage, I probably shouldn't worry about that. :) also, first post (if my calculations are correct).

Bull sh*t

[riffzifnab]

I call shinanagans. If this was true there would be a whole lot more green people running around smashing things. Everyone knows that gamma rays = Hulk, its a proven scientific fact.

Re:I suspect that the biggest consequence of this

[Spudtrooper]

It's getting cloudy. You wouldn't like me when it's cloudy.

slashdot has failed me.

[J. T. MacLeod]

With 41 comments, I expected at least ONE Incredible Hulk reference.

You're all very bad nerds.

Where have I seen this before?

[fahrbot-bot]

A Japanese nuclear plant, cosmic rays, thunderclouds? What could possibly go wrong?

Bremsstrahlung photons from clouds

[The Media Mechanic]

HOLY CRAP... BREMSSTRAHLUNG PHOTONS from frikkin BASIC FLUFFY CLOUDS IN THE SKY. What's next, some goshdarned erenkov radiation being emitted from like, Innocent Little Bunny Rabbits?! Or like, some freaking Antideuterium Particles shooting out of Very Cute Baby Kittens ??