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Science 27 May 1994:
Vol. 264. no. 5163, pp. 1313 - 1316
DOI: 10.1126/science.264.5163.1313
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Articles

Discovery of Intense Gamma-Ray Flashes of Atmospheric Origin

G. J. Fishman 1, P. N. Bhat 1, R. Mallozzi 2, J. M. Horack 1, T. Koshut 2, C. Kouveliotou 3, G. N. Pendleton 2, C. A. Meegan 1, R. B. Wilson 1, W. S. Paciesas 2, S. J. Goodman 1, and H. J. Christian 1

1 Space Science Laboratory, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812, USA.
2 Department of Physics, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
3 Universities Space Research Association, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812, USA.

Detectors aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory have observed an unexplained terrestrial phenomenon: brief, intense flashes of gamma rays. These flashes must originate in the atmosphere at altitudes above at least 30 kilometers in order to escape atmospheric absorption and reach the orbiting detectors. At least a dozen such events have been detected over the past 2 years. The photon spectra from the events are very hard (peaking in the high-energy portion of the spectrum) and are consistent with bremsstrahlung emission from energetic (million—electron volt) electrons. The most likely origin of these high-energy electrons, although speculative at this time, is a rare type of high-altitude electrical discharge above thunderstorm regions.

Submitted on February 17, 1994
Accepted on April 19, 1994


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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