In the summer of 2024, researchers went storm-chasing in a Toyota Sienna, eager to catch a glimpse of something rare. They focused on the tips of leaves on sweetgum trees in Pembroke, North Carolina, hoping to spot tiny, colorful sparks. These sparks, known as coronae, had never been documented in the wild before.
For years, scientists have theorized that these brief glows occur during thunderstorms, but this was the first time they captured them on camera. A team from Pennsylvania State University set out to observe coronae on trees along the East Coast. Their work revealed the incredible moments when these electrical discharges light up treetops.
In a recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters, the team’s findings were exciting. “These things actually happen; we’ve seen them; we know they exist now,” said Patrick McFarland, a meteorologist at Penn State. His enthusiasm reflects a significant scientific breakthrough.
The Science Behind the Glows
For nearly a century, scientists have speculated that electrical charges create these glowing effects in treetops during storms. Laboratory tests showed how storm-induced charges in the atmosphere attract opposite charges in the ground. This connection pulls energy upward, typically reaching the highest points—the tips of trees.
McFarland explained that, in a lab, the coronae appear as a blue glow, but spotting them outdoors posed a challenge. To tackle this, the researchers equipped their minivan with tools: a weather station, electric field detector, and even a laser rangefinder. A clever addition was a periscope that directed light to an ultraviolet camera, making it possible to see the coronae through their UV emissions.
Capturing the Magic
During storms, the researchers managed to capture footage of 41 coronae lighting up leaf tips over about 90 minutes. Each spark flickered for around three seconds, often jumping from one leaf to another.
The team chased several storms from Florida to Pennsylvania, recording similar electrical discharges on various trees, including loblolly pines. Their findings suggest that coronae might be more common than previously thought, potentially brightening numerous leaves across treetops during each storm.
Interestingly, these faint discharges aren’t visible to the naked eye. If we could see them, McFarland imagines it would look like “a pretty cool light show, as if thousands of UV-flashing fireflies descended on the treetops.”
A Broader Perspective
This discovery adds to our understanding of atmospheric electricity. A 2022 study found that thunderstorms are becoming more intense due to climate change, which could mean more frequent and noticeable coronae in the future. With rising temperatures, the frequency of such phenomena could increase.
Also, user reactions on social media highlight public fascination with these natural wonders. Posts about the research went viral, sparking conversations about the hidden magic of our environment. This reflects a growing interest in the mysteries of nature and the science that uncovers them.
This research not only enriches scientific knowledge but also transforms our perception of everyday phenomena. Nature frequently holds secrets, and sometimes a storm can reveal spectacular sights overhead. By studying these moments, scientists invite us to look at the world with fresh eyes. For more insights on this fascinating topic, you can check out the full study here.
With scientists like McFarland leading the charge, who knows what other mysteries of the natural world await our discovery?
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