NASA's Fermi Catches Gamma-ray Flashes from Tropical Storms

Terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFBR) are high-energy light emissions occurring naturally on Earth, often during storms. These flashes are produced when accelerated electrons, deflected by air molecules, emit gamma rays. Data from NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope indicates over 1000 TGFBR occur daily worldwide. Improved data has linked TGFBR to specific tropical weather systems, showing that weaker storms can produce more TGFBR, while stronger storms like hurricanes generate them in outer rain bands. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between storm intensity, lightning frequency, and TGFBR production.

What natural phenomenon is responsible for the production of Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes?

• Lightning

• Earthquakes

• Solar flares

• Volcanic eruptions

According to NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope, how many TGFBR occur globally each day?

• 2000

• 1000

• 500

• 100

Which tropical storm produced two TGFBR within 24 hours as it weakened?

• Typhoon Bolaven

• Hurricane Katrina

• Tropical Storm Manuel

• Hurricane Julio

Where are TGFBR more commonly found in stronger storms like hurricanes and typhoons?

• Near the storm's eye

• In the outer rain bands

• At the storm's base

• In the storm's center

What have scientists learned about the capability of weaker tropical storms in producing TGFBR?

• They do not produce TGFBR

• They produce TGFBR only over land

• They produce fewer TGFBR

• They produce more TGFBR