Articles | Volume 19, issue 8
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-2881-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-2881-2026
Research article
 | 
29 Apr 2026
Research article |  | 29 Apr 2026

Exploring the potential of aerial and balloon-based observations in the study of terrestrial gamma ray flashes

Marek Sommer, Tomáš Czakoj, Iva Ambrožová, Martin Kákona, Olena Velychko, and Ondřej Ploc

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Short summary
This work studies powerful bursts of radiation, called terrestrial gamma ray flashes, which happen during thunderstorms. It explores the use of planes and weather balloons as platforms for radiation detectors to gather data about this phenomenon. Using computer simulations, it was found that balloons might work better for high-altitude storms, while planes could be useful for lower ones. Moreover, the influence of the terrestrial gamma ray flash strength and its altitude of origin was revealed.
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