Trees Seen Emitting a Ghostly Light During a Thunderstorm For The First Time

Summary: Have you ever wondered what happens to trees during a thunderstorm? Scientists just discovered that trees actually glow! When a storm passes over, electricity builds up in the clouds and the ground. Sometimes, this electric charge creeps up a tree's wet trunk and branches. When it reaches the leaves, it creates a tiny, invisible spark of ultraviolet light called a "corona."

Scientists knew this could happen in a lab, but a team of storm chasers finally recorded it in the wild. They attached special UV cameras and weather tools to a minivan and drove into storms. They found out that tree leaves flash with invisible light, almost like thousands of flashing fireflies hopping from leaf to leaf. While it sounds like a cool light show, scientists think these repeated electric sparks might actually damage or kill the tops of the trees over time.

Source: ScienceAlert URL: sciencealert.com/trees-seen-emitting-a-ghostly-light-during-a-thunderstorm-for-the-first-time (opens in new tab)