Sun's magnetic field boosts lightning strikes across the UK
The number of lightning strikes across the UK has been significantly affected by solar activity, according to new research. Scientists say the Sun's magnetic field is bending the Earth's own field, increasing our exposure to cosmic rays. Read more
Activity on the sun is sparking lightning strikes here on Earth, a study suggests. Scientists have found that when gusts of high-speed solar particles enter our atmosphere, the number of lightning bolts increases. Read more
US researchers say they have developed a more efficient way to produce a kind of ball lightning in the lab. The Colorado team made brilliant clouds of plasma emerge from a specially prepared solution and maintained them for nearly half a second.
'Dark Lightning' Zaps Airline Passengers with Radiation
"Dark lightning" that is almost invisible within clouds may regularly blast airline passengers with large numbers of gamma rays, scientists find. However, these outbursts do not seem to reach truly dangerous levels, researchers added. Read more
A team of Australian scientists believe they have uncovered the cause of one of nature's most bizarre phenomenon - ball lightning. Ball lightning, typically the size of a grapefruit, is a rarely seen event that lasts up to 20 seconds. Read more
Cosmic rays are subatomic particles from deep space that are constantly bombarding the Earth's atmosphere. Scientific American editor Phil Yam explains how they might play a role in seeding bolts of lightning. Read more
Summertown Man Captures Incredible Lightning Strike
Something about the heavens has always fascinated Kevin Kessell, which is why he was staring up at the sky Saturday afternoon when a powerful line of thunderstorms rolled through. Read more