Lightning reacts with the atmosphere to produce nuclear reactions, antimatter

Lightning is powerful enough to set off nuclear reactions in the atmosphere, a new study found.

Japanese researchers report that the powerful electrical discharge produces gamma rays — the most powerful waves or radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum — which react with the air.

The reaction produces radioisotopes and even positrons, the antimatter counterpart of electrons.

Scientists knew for some time that lightning and thunderclouds emit gamma rays but this is the first time someone demonstrated that they’re also responsible for nuclear reactions in the atmosphere. The findings were reported by a team from Kyoto University led by Teruaki Enoto.

“We have this idea that antimatter is something that only exists in science fiction. Who knew that it could be passing right above our heads on a stormy day?” says Enoto.

UCJ, UNILORIN.