The NASA Earth Science Branch Participates in National Lightning Workshop

Timothy Lang (ST11) played a key role in organizing the Lightning Modeling Workshop, which was held in Albuquerque, NM from 4/1-3/24, both in-person and online. The workshop aimed to gather input from the community in order to create a roadmap that would assess the current state of lightning modeling, identify areas for improvement in existing models, and lay out a plan for integrating modular model components into a comprehensive system. The development of a comprehensive physical model for lightning presents a significant challenge, requiring the integration of meteorological, chemical, plasma, optical, and radio processes on scales ranging from millimeters to hundreds of kilometers.

Patrick Gatlin (ST11) participated in the workshop virtually and shared insights on MSFC’s work in developing a lightning and thunderstorm model to support the CubeSpark mission. William Koshak and Mason Quick from the Earth Science Branch also took part in the workshop alongside approximately 60 other attendees. Key sponsors for the workshop included Sandia National Labs and Texas Tech University.

The workshop was successful in gathering valuable information to shape the roadmap for developing an end-to-end lightning model. Such a model would have broad implications for research on the interplay between lightning, weather patterns, and climate, as well as for enhancing lightning protection and safety measures.