Cosmic Rays Could Reveal Secrets of Lightning On Earth

sciencehabit writes: Despite Benjamin Franklin's best efforts with a kite and a key, the phenomenon of lightning remains a scientific enigma. Now, researchers have developed a new tool that could help them solve some of lightning's mysteries. By using cosmic rays, space-traveling particles that constantly rain down on our atmosphere, scientists report they can peek inside thunderstorms and measure their electric fields, helping them pinpoint the conditions that cause storms' electrical outbursts. The advance could help researchers predict more precisely when and where lightning is most likely to strike and get people out of harm's way in time.

Comments

Re:solved problem

[smooth wombat]

Seriously, have we degenerated as a culture to the point where we need scientists telling people to stay inside during a thunderstorm?

Apparently so. And again, and again and again.