Project Description

Lightning, an energetic phenomena in our atmosphere, has far reaching effects in space. When lightning strikes, it releases an electromagnetic (EM) pulse that injects energy into the Earth鈥檚 magnetosphere. Many spacecraft like the Van Allen Probes measure these EM waves, called lightning generated whistlers (LGWs) due to the sound they make when shifted to audible frequencies. LGWs interact with radiation trapped in the magnetosphere, causing particles to precipitate into the atmosphere where they trigger a chain of chemical reactions. Studying lightning is important for understanding how energy and particles transfer between Earth and space.听

In this project, we will connect in-situ LGW measurements to lightning events on Earth. You will use the GLD360 lightning database. It provides global coverage of lightning detection locations with characteristics like frequency and peak current. You will develop a user interface for identifying lightning strikes in the data from the location and time of LGWs detected in space. You will learn background science about the magnetosphere, ionosphere, lightning, and waves in plasmas, and may participate in analysis of the spacecraft data.

Special Requirements

Programming experience with Python (preferred) and/or Matlab, demonstrated through CS courses at sophomore level or above, or through independent projects. Available for the full 30 hrs/wk.

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