Kolhapur Scientists Uncover Shocking Atmospheric Tremors Caused by Lightning

• Researchers from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, in collaboration with ISRO scientists, have discovered that lightning causes tremors in Earth's atmosphere.
• The ionosphere, located 60 to 1,000 kilometers above Earth, is significantly affected by intense lightning flashes.
• Lightning current causes a change of 0.05 to 0.80 TEC units in the Total Electron Content (TEC) of the atmosphere, observed 2 to 35 minutes after a flash.
• This research utilized ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)'s 'Lightning Detection Sensor Network' and GPS (GNSS) data.
• Changes in the ionosphere due to lightning can impact mobile signals, GPS accuracy, and satellite navigation systems, but this discovery will aid in improving these systems during stormy weather.

Why It Matters: Lightning causes significant disturbances in Earth's ionosphere, impacting satellite communication and navigation systems.