Scientists Capture Glowing Trees During Thunderstorms

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Scientists have discovered that trees can emit a faint, glowing light during thunderstorms, similar to the St. Elmo's fire phenomenon observed on ships. Researchers equipped a van with specialized equipment and set out to capture this rare natural display, successfully recording the dynamic, dancing coronae of light on trees in North Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

Why it matters

This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding atmospheric electricity and the interaction between storms and the natural environment. Further research could focus on mapping the distribution of these coronae, investigating their impact on atmospheric chemistry, and exploring their potential role in lightning initiation and aircraft safety.

The details

The initial spark for this investigation came from a simple observation by meteorologist William Brune, who wondered if treetops might also glow during thunderstorms, similar to the St. Elmo's fire seen on ships. Lab experiments confirmed that a branch subjected to a simulated electrical field would indeed emit a faint, blue and ultraviolet glow. This led researchers to embark on a thunderstorm-hunting expedition, equipped with an ultraviolet camera, to capture the phenomenon in nature.

• After months of searching, a breakthrough came in Pembroke, North Carolina, where the team recorded 41 coronae on a sweetgum tree and a loblolly pine during a 90-minute observation period.
• The team observed similar coronae in Florida and Pennsylvania, suggesting this is not a localized event.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Further research could focus on mapping the distribution of these coronae across forests during thunderstorms, investigating their impact on atmospheric chemistry, exploring their potential role in lightning initiation, and understanding how similar electrical discharges might affect aircraft flying through stormy conditions.