"Dark Lightning" Could Expose Airline Passengers To Radiation

mbstone writes "Lightning researcher Joseph Dwyer of the Florida Institute of Technology claims that thunderstorms unleash sprays of X-rays and even intense bursts of gamma rays which could cause airline passengers to receive in an instant the maximum safe lifetime dose of ionizing radiation — the kind that wreaks the most havoc on the human body. Dwyer hopes his sensor aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, will provide more data."

Comments

Hrmmm

[Anonymous Coward]

I smell a boost in tinfoil hat sales skyrocketing ....

Re:Hrmmm

[telchine]

I propose that we should legislate to ensure that all the passengers are wrapped inside one metal enclosure before take-off!

Re:Hrmmm

[myowntrueself]

Tinfoil does not set off metal detectors.

Yes, I have first-hand knowledge of this.

That can't be right, I saw a tinfoil covered cucumber set off a metal detector in the Spinal Tap documentary!

Re:FUD summary as usual

[Forty Two Tenfold]

“Scientists have calculated that the chances of something so patently absurd actually existing are millions to one. But magicians have calculated that million-to-one chances crop up nine times out of ten.”

Terry Pratchett, Mort

NOW what do you say.

regulations

[ssam]

Airlines should be subject to the same regulations as nuclear power. All planes should have a few meters of lean and concrete shielding to protect the passengers. Anything that saves one childs life should be done.

Re:s/aluminum/aluminium/g

[Anonymous Coward]

FTFY

You crazy Americans insist on misspelling everything

That's exactly how we spell 'everything', what are you talking about?

Intense bursts of gamma rays?

[QilessQi]

Then don't get those flight attendants angry. You wouldn't like them when they're angry.