Lightning from space
On July 3, 2023, the European Area Company (ESA) launched the primary animations from their new lightning-tracking satellite. The lightning imager on the Meteosat Third Generation satellite marks the primary time scientists have been able to constantly detecting lightning throughout Europe and Africa.
The lightning imager has 4 cameras that cowl Europe, Africa, the Center East and elements of South America. The cameras can seize as much as 1,000 pictures per second. These views give climate forecasters extra information for his or her predictions. It’s notably useful in distant areas equivalent to over oceans, the place lightning detection was beforehand restricted.
Key function in air site visitors security
One of many areas wherein the brand new lightning observations will play a key function is in air journey. Lightning poses an actual hazard to an airplane’s onboard devices. Phil Evans, with the European Group for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites , said:
Extreme storms are sometimes preceded by abrupt modifications in lightning exercise. By observing these modifications in exercise, the lightning imager information will give climate forecasters extra confidence of their forecasts of extreme storms.
When these information are utilized in conjunction with the high-resolution information from the Versatile Mixed Imager, climate forecasters will probably be higher in a position to observe the event of extreme storms and have an extended lead-in time to warn authorities and communities.
Movies of lightning from space
These two movies showcase what the brand new satellite can do. The primary video reveals the total view from the north digital camera, reaching from Europe throughout the Mediterranean and into Africa. Thunderstorms develop almost each day across the Mediterranean throughout the hotter months.
The second video reveals lightning over Central Africa, probably the most energetic lightning area on this planet. This animation covers 5 days, as lightning flashed constantly and storms marched westward.
You possibly can see extra lightning animations from the brand new satellite here.
Backside line: The European Area Company has a brand new satellite that’s capturing views of lightning from space. The satellite will assist enhance forecasts and make air journey safer.
Read more: Bumpy flight? Here’s how clouds affect air travel
