Cosmic particles result in lightning

  • Context: High School 
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    Lightning Particles
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hypothesis that cosmic particles or solar flares may play a role in the formation of lightning, challenging traditional educational understandings of lightning's causes. Participants share references to articles and express interest in exploring this theory further.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls reading an article suggesting that lightning may be caused by cosmic particles impacting thunderclouds, indicating a potential shift in understanding from traditional teachings.
  • Another participant mentions a related article in New Scientist magazine that postulates cosmic rays as a cause of lightning, but access to the full article requires a subscription.
  • A different participant notes the existence of an article in Scientific American on the same topic, suggesting that local libraries or colleges might provide access to it.
  • One participant suggests searching for "sprites," a term associated with mega-lightning, and provides a link to additional information about the phenomenon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in the theory that cosmic particles may influence lightning, but there is no consensus on the validity of this claim or its implications. Multiple viewpoints and references are shared without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express difficulty accessing articles due to subscription barriers, which may limit the depth of discussion on the topic. The conversation reflects varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in atmospheric science, the effects of cosmic phenomena on weather, or those exploring alternative explanations for natural phenomena may find this discussion relevant.

blimkie
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i recently read and article say 2 months ago in the ottawa sun but my memory is fuzzy and i did not get to finish the article
I am not sure if this has been discussed on here or not and if this is the correst palce to post this but
a sceintest was claiming that our understanding of that we wer taught in school was incorrect and that lightin was caused by cosmic particles or solar flares sumting fo that nature slamming into thunderclouds, i havnt been able to find the article again, if anyone has any information or opinions on this theroy let me know because it really cought my attention
thanks
 
Science news on Phys.org
damnit i don't have a subscription o well
 
There was also an article about it in Scientific American a few months ago. Your local library or college might have a copy.
 
blimkie said:
i recently read and article say 2 months ago in the ottawa sun but my memory is fuzzy and i did not get to finish the article
I am not sure if this has been discussed on here or not and if this is the correst palce to post this but
a sceintest was claiming that our understanding of that we wer taught in school was incorrect and that lightin was caused by cosmic particles or solar flares sumting fo that nature slamming into thunderclouds, i havnt been able to find the article again, if anyone has any information or opinions on this theroy let me know because it really cought my attention
thanks

You can do a google for "sprites", this is what mega-lightning has been called,here is a link that has some interesting aspects to the phenonema:
http://www.holoscience.com/news/balloon.html