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‘Dark Lightning’ Zaps Airplane Passengers With Gamma Rays, Scientists Say

A thunderstorm over Unna, Germany produces lightning. Image: Wikipedia Commons via CC 2.0.

A thunderstorm over Unna, Germany produces lightning. Image: Wikipedia Commons via CC 2.0.

Scientists at Florida Institute of Technology are working on modeling the behavior “dark lightning”, a type of thunderstorm static discharge that is low in visible light, but plentiful in high-energy gamma radiation.

“Dark lightning” might be occurring at altitudes where commercial airlines travel, but the FIT scientists insist that the amounts of radiation are minute and should not alarm anybody, despite what media headlines might suggest.

‘Dark Lightning’ Zaps Airplane Passengers With Gamma Rays, Scientists Say.

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This post was last modified on November 24, 2017 11:42 pm

Patricia Vollmer

Patricia Vollmer is the proud mother of two sons, ages 16 & 18, who are as geeky as she is. She's been writing for the Geek Family Network since 2011. She is a meteorologist who works for the U.S. Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hobbies include running, despite no one chasing her, sharing her love for Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars, and exploring the world with her boys. Ask her why the sky is blue at your own risk.

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Patricia Vollmer
April 11, 2013 8:35 am

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