The theory is that as the particles pass through electric fields they would recharge themselves and create new particles. "These look very different," Dwyer said. "We would see them in association with radio pulses, which are easier to measure." The research also could prove or disprove a theory that bursts of cosmic rays striking the atmosphere could, in fact, be a lightning trigger. "It's possible that if there was a big enough (cosmic ray) shower, it would initiate lightning," said Dwyer. "That would be a big surprise."
Related Links: Discovery Earth: Video, Expert Interviews, Photos and More Ray Villard's Discovery Space blog: Cosmic Ray Discovery Space for news, interviews and more. |
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