Sub-Orbital Measurements of Energetic Radiation Near Thunderstorms: A Review

Since C.T.R. Wilson first proposed that the electric field inside a thunderstorm might accelerate free electrons to very high energies, many measurements have been made to verify his hypothesis. These measurements have been made from the ground, from airborne platforms, and most recently from satellites. This paper will review measurements made by airborne instrumentation (e.g. aircraft, balloon, rocket, etc.) and look at the particular scientific questions that can be and are being addressed.