THUNDERSTORMS AND ELEMENTARY PARTICLE ACCELERATION GENERAL INFORMATION: 

TIME: October 14-17, 2024 

LOCATION: Yerevan, Armenia 

VENUE: Conference hall of the Cosmic Ray Division of Yerevan Physics Institute,  2 Alikhanyan Brothers Street, Yerevan, Armenia 

ORGANIZER: Yerevan Physics Institute, Armenia 

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 

Ashot Chilingarian, Yerevan Physics Institute, Armenia (Chair) 

Ondrej Ploc, CRREAT head, Nuclear Physics Institute of the CAS, Czechia (Co-chair)  

Eric Benton, Oklahoma University, USA 

Joseph Dwyer, Department of Physics University of New Hampshire, USA 

Gerald Fishman, NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA 

Hartmut Gemmeke, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany 

Johannes Knapp, DESY Zeuthen, Germany 

Jean Lilensten, Institut de Planétologie et d'Astrophysique de Grenoble, France

Bagrat Mailyan, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA. 

Yasushi Muraki, STE Laboratory, Nagoya University, Japan 

Vladimir Rakov, University of Florida, USA 

David Smith, University of California, Santa Cruz 

Marco Tavani, INAF and University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy 

Tatsuo Torii, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tsuruga, Japan 

Harufumi Tsuchiya, Cosmic Radiation Laboratory, Riken, Japan

Figure 1. On the left: Electron accelerators emerging in strong atmospheric fields originate  RREAs in the lower and upper atmosphere initiated TGEs and TGFs. Surface detectors and  detectors on board aircraft measure millions of particle bursts with duration from  microseconds to tens of minutes. In the center: Emanation of the Radon progeny lifted to the  atmosphere by near-surface electric fields and contributed to the TGE flux at low energies. To  the right: Sources of the galactic and extragalactic cosmic rays initiated extensive air showers  in the terrestrial atmosphere – a source of seed electrons for TGEs and TGFs.

BACKGROUND: 

In the last decade, high-energy physics in the atmosphere (HEPA) has radically transformed,  marked by significant technological advancements and collaborative research. This period has  seen the deployment of sophisticated instruments such as the SEVAN particle detector network,  the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) aboard the International Space Station, and  the Airborne Detector for Energetic Lightning Emissions (ALOFT), which have been pivotal in  enhancing our understanding of high-energy atmospheric phenomena. These tools have  established RREA as an origin of TGEs and TGFs and the precise temporal correlation between  TGFs and lightning flashes. In this way, it challenges previous hypotheses about the origins of  gamma bursts, supporting the equivalence of TGEs and TGFs. Collaborative research efforts,  exemplified by the first TGE research campaign conducted on the mountaintops of Lomnicky Stit  and Aragats in 2023, have provided invaluable insights into the complex processes occurring in  the terrestrial atmosphere. 

Furthermore, establishing synchronized networks of advanced sensors for continuous monitoring  of particle fluxes has marked a leap forward in data collection and analysis, proving essential for  both fundamental research and practical applications, including forecasting geomagnetic storms  that pose significant economic risks. The integration of cosmic rays and atmospheric physics has  highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to geophysical research, particularly in light  of natural disasters' increasing frequency and severity. This integration is crucial for understanding  the consequences of violent solar flares and extreme atmospheric electric fields and developing  strategies to mitigate these impacts. Moreover, the new understanding of thunderclouds as media  full of radiation opens up new avenues for research, including developing theories on cloud  electrification and its potential impact on climate change. As we convene to discuss the latest  findings and explore future directions in the fields of solar, astrophysical, and atmospheric physics,  it is clear that the synergy between astroparticle and atmospheric physics heralds a new era of  research. This synergy offers unprecedented opportunities for a better understanding and  development of geospace physics, underscoring the importance of continuous collaboration,  technological innovation, and integrated research approaches. The discussions and collaborations  that will take place are expected to pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and practical  solutions to the challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change, reflecting the dynamic  and evolving nature of this scientific field. 

STRUCTURE OF THE SYMPOSIUM: 

We anticipate the following sessions: 

1. Multivariate observations of particles from the Earth’s surface, in the atmosphere, and  from space (TGEs, gamma glows, and TGFs)
2. Correlated measurements of the atmospheric discharges, lightning flashes, and particle fluxes; 
3. Space Weather and Solar physics with SEVAN network; 
4. Influence of the atmospheric electric field on experiments using the atmosphere as a  target (Surface Arrays and Cherenkov Imaging Telescopes); 
5. Remote sensing and modeling of the atmospheric electric fields; 
6. Instrumentation; 
7. Data organization and correlation analysis of multivariate remote measurements assisted  by AI. 

We plan to discuss the most intriguing problems related to high-energy physics in the  atmosphere and explore possible directions for advancing collaborative studies. Additionally, we  will report on the results of the international competition for annual projects in high-energy  physics in the atmosphere that will be performed on Aragats. 

Topics to be covered during oral and poster sessions: 

• Energy spectra of electrons and gamma rays measured on the earth’s surface, in the  atmosphere,

• Abrupt termination of the particle flux by the lightning flash; 
• Registration of neutron and positron fluxes during thunderstorms; 
• SEVAN particle detector network as a tool of HEPA research; 
• Methods of remote sensing of thundercloud charge structure and atmospheric electric fields;
• Relations to the climate and space weather issues; 
• Monitoring of lightning flashes by fast cameras; 
• Influence of the atmospheric electric fields on Extensive Air Showers (EASs);
• The possibility of joint observations by aircraft and ground-based facilities. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION: 

Abstracts should be submitted electronically on the Symposium website. The deadline for  abstract submission is August 15th, 2024 

REGISTRATION: 

Registration to TEPA 2024 should be done online via the Symposium website. We will  provide participants with their accounts on the Symposium website. These accounts will  be used to submit abstracts and papers for Symposium proceedings and provide information  about accompanying persons. 

Registration fees will be paid at the conference desc:

▪ Regular Attendees 200 EUR 

▪ Undergraduate and Graduate Students 50 EUR 

The fee covers coffee breaks, reception, logistics, and excursion to Aragats. The conference site will list hotels and restaurants near the Yerevan Physics Institute. We plan an  excursion to Aragats research station. 

CONFERENCE DEADLINES: 

- 15 August 2024 Abstract submission deadline. 

- 15 September 2024 Contributions selected and participants notified. 

- 28 September 2024 Symposium program at the Conference site. 

CORRESPONDENCE: 

 Zara 

Asaturyan  

TEPA 2024 Secretary 

zaraasaturyan.87@gmail.com 

Phone: +374 93721159