A new U.S. satellite is mapping lightning flashes worldwide from above. The information gathered should help provide better warning about dangerous strikes.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Monday released the first images from a satellite launched last November. It carried the first lightning detector in stationary orbit. The satellite recorded bright flashes from a storm that spawned tornadoes and hail in the Houston region on Valentine’s Day.
NOAA scientist Steve Goodman says ground radar sees lots of cloud-to-ground lightning, but this satellite provides more detailed views of lightning within clouds. Cloud flashes can later turn into ground strikes, hitting people like a bolt out of the blue. Scientists say this could add more warning time, preventing injuries.
Earth gets about 45 lightning flashes every second, on average. But 80 percent of those stay in clouds.
(Photo: NOAA via AP. Hot spots on the image indicate areas of high lightning activity.)
