Images related to Global Lightning Activity

Patterns of Lightning Activity
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Patterns of Lightning Activity

The map shows average yearly counts of lightning flashes per square kilometer, based on data collected by NASA satellites between 1995 and 2002.

Published Jun 23, 2006

Image of the Day Atmosphere

There’s Something in the Air
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There’s Something in the Air

The connection between people and lightning is visible along two of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Published Dec 14, 2017

Image of the Day Atmosphere Water Human Presence Remote Sensing

Where Lightning Strikes
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Where Lightning Strikes

Published Dec 10, 2001

Image of the Day Atmosphere

Sensing Lightning from the Space Station
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Sensing Lightning from the Space Station

Bolts light up Earth’s atmosphere 4 million times a day. Scientists hope to observe a few.

Published Mar 23, 2014

Image of the Day Atmosphere Remote Sensing

Lightning is Sparking More Boreal Forest Fires in Far North America
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Lightning is Sparking More Boreal Forest Fires in Far North America

Wildfires in northern Canada and Alaska have been increasing in frequency and area burned. One possible cause is more lightning.

Published Dec 1, 2017

Image of the Day Heat Life

Weeks of Extreme Weather in India
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Weeks of Extreme Weather in India

Lightning, thunderstorms, and dust storms are normal in India—but not at this intensity.

Published May 25, 2018

Image of the Day Atmosphere Human Presence Remote Sensing

Assessing California Fire Scars
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Assessing California Fire Scars

Analyzing subtle differences in near-infrared and shortwave-infrared light from the landscape, scientists can provide some measure of the severity of wildfire burns.

Published Oct 14, 2020

Image of the Day Heat Land Fires Human Presence Remote Sensing

Looking Back from Apollo 11
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Looking Back from Apollo 11

Transcripts from the flight to the Moon capture some of the wonder and novelty of looking back at Earth.

Published Jul 21, 2014

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Water Human Presence

Lightning over Equatorial Africa
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Lightning over Equatorial Africa

The top of the large thunderstorm, roughly 20 km across, is illuminated by a full moon and frequent bursts of lightning.

Published Jan 21, 2001

Image of the Day Atmosphere

Red Sprites Above the U.S. and Central America
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Red Sprites Above the U.S. and Central America

Within three minutes, astronauts acquired two photographs of elusive red sprite emissions above thunderstorms.

Published Aug 24, 2015

Image of the Day Atmosphere