| 2015-04-20 11:03:12 |
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Severe April snowstorms did not disturb operation of Aragats research station: A super event of 20 April shed new light on atmospheric physics
Lightning has been around since the dawn of time, but what triggers it is still an enigma. Now, researchers propose that the answer could lie in high-energy particles that are accelerated in the atmosphere and ionize the air, releasing free electrons and leading to a massive discharge.
Thunderclouds become electrically charged from the collisions of microscopic ice particles in their midst, and from the moisture currents that push the negative and positive charges apart. The air is a good insulator, keeping the clusters of positively and negatively charged layers apart in this way generating huge electrostatic fields. Cosmic ray electrons plenty on the mountain altitudes are accelerating in these fields gain additional energy, knock on from atoms new electrons and so on. As a result electron-photon avalanche is developed in atmosphere making a pathway for lightning leader culminating in a lightning bolt. However scientists are still not sure of the conditions initiated the electron-photon avalanches.
Aragats physicists started research of particle fluxes from thunderstorms 7 years ago when suddenly measure huge fluxes of electrons, gamma rays and neutrons at Aragats. After checking all possible sources of radiation (including Metcamor nuclear power plant) they discover TGEs- thunderstorm ground enhancements intense and brief bursts of radiations from the thunderclouds. Plenty of TGE events was observed, classified and explained during last years, numerous papers were published and reports presented on international forums. Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) of the Yerevan physics Institute hold special symposia on Thunderstorms and elementary particle acceleration. This year they plan 5-th symposia in Nor Amberd - TEPA-2015. However the question remains how lightning is initiated and what is relation of TGE and lightning. New precise particle sensors and field meters was installed on Aragats. Now physicists are measuring tens of parameters including radio, ultraviolet and infrared emissions from the atmospheric discharges. All these measurements by radio-modems are sending to CRD for immediate analysis and distribution to colleagues worldwide. April is a month when strong thunderstorms started on our mountains. The buildings and houses are under a thick layer of snow, the roads are closed, sever wind cut electricity lines. All these create a uniquely challenging conditions for the stable and safe operation of the equipment and registering most interesting events, that are coinciding with violent weather conditions.
These days the station employees Samvel Parsamayan, Ara Babayan and Karen Asatryan ensure the reliable operation of all sensors registering 5 year largest flux of particles 20 times enhancing fair weather values. Along with particles huge radio burst, ultraviolet light surge, electric field disturbances were detected. Aragats has now world best equipment for research of new fast developing field of high-energy physics in atmosphere. And what is more valuable – has devoted staff operated this equipment day and night 12 monts a year. According to order of director of national lab. prof. A.Chilingarian the station staff was granted by premium for detecting this extraordinate event with all sensors located on high altitude research station.
