A new model reveals how cosmic electrons and X-rays trigger lightning, solving a decades-old mystery about what starts a lightning strike.

The thin, transparent glass embedded with electric-field-driven electrodes can clean itself in seconds, erasing up to 98% of dust particles.

Earth is fortunate in having a magnetic field: it protects the planet and its life from harmful cosmic radiation. Other ...

"Observation of new electric field signals strong potential for assorted devices." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 December 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2024 / 12 / 241208200143.htm>.

The onboard instruments measured changes in electric potential from the altitude where the field should begin – 250 km (150 miles) – up to the maximum height it reached, 768 km (477 miles).

The field is weak, only 0.55 volts — about as strong as a watch battery, Collinson says. But that’s strong enough to control the shape and evolution of the upper atmosphere, features that ...