X-ray observations of natural and rocket-triggered lightning by the Thunderstorm Energetic Radiation Array (TERA)
Abstract
For the summer of 2005, as part of the Thunderstorm Energetic Radiation Array (TERA), ten new x-ray instruments have been installed at the University of Florida/Florida Tech International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) at Camp Blanding, FL. Along with the four existing x-ray instruments, these new instruments have a total of 30 NaI(Tl)/photomultiplier tube detectors that cover the entire 1 km2 facility. Combined with the existing time-correlated (to sub-microsecond accuracy) multiple station electric field, magnetic field, optical and current measurements at the ICRLT, TERA allows greatly improved measurements of correlated x-ray, RF and optical emission from both natural and triggered lightning. When completed next year, TERA will have a total of 32 instruments and should provide an unprecedented view of how x-rays are emitted by thunderstorms and lightning. During the summer of 2005, many rocket-triggered and natural cloud-to-ground lightning flashes occurred at the ICLRT and were observed by TERA and the multiple station network. We will discuss the construction and operation of the overall array and present preliminary results of this summer's lightning observations.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005AGUFMAE12A..07H
- Keywords:
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- 3300 ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES;
- 3304 Atmospheric electricity;
- 3324 Lightning;
- 3394 Instruments and techniques