SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the measurement and understanding of the most energetic lightning "superbolts" on Earth, specifically focusing on total energy discharge quantified in joules. Participants emphasize the importance of distinguishing between power in watts and energy discharge over time, noting that many reports fail to provide the necessary context for accurate calculations. A reference to a lightning stroke exceeding 3 terawatts of power highlights the extraordinary nature of these events, while the EU standard EN-62305 mentions an energy figure of 10 MJ/Ohm for worst-case scenarios. The need for reliable data sources and research papers on superbolts is also underscored.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of energy discharge calculations in joules
- Familiarity with lightning measurement standards, such as EN-62305
- Knowledge of electrical power concepts (watts, volts, amps)
- Experience with satellite observation data related to atmospheric phenomena
NEXT STEPS
- Research the latest studies on lightning superbolts and their energy measurements
- Explore the implications of the EU standard EN-62305 for lightning protection
- Investigate satellite observation techniques for measuring lightning events
- Learn about the physics of lightning strikes and their energy discharge characteristics
USEFUL FOR
Researchers, meteorologists, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in atmospheric science and lightning phenomena will benefit from this discussion.
