Space-Based Lightning Physics Observatories

Satellite lightning imagers are powerful instruments for documenting the evolutions of individual lightning flashes anywhere in the world. As our understanding of how optical signals are modified by the surrounding clouds improves, these space-based instruments will become increasingly useful for observing physical lightning processes on global scales. Here, we demonstrate how LIS can be used to map the lateral development of spider lightning.

Lightning imagers on satellites measure all types of lightning flashes with a high probability of detection. They can also be used to document the evolution of individual lightning flashes and examine their lateral structure. This study uses Lightning Imaging Sensor measurements to identify what level of spatial and temporal development that can be detected by lightning imagers. We find that orbital lightning sensors observe lateral flash development that is consistent with physical lightning processes. These results suggest that lightning imagers can make viable lightning mappers that can be used to examine lightning physics in flashes across the globe. This is particularly important for remote regions such as the open ocean where flash development is not observed by other means.