Research Could Improve Severe Weather Forecasting

By the time you’ve read this sentence, lightning will strike about 100 times around the world. A single bolt has one trillion watts of electricity with temperatures up to 27,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning is one of the most powerful forces in nature. Understanding it takes dedicated, intensive study.

Lightning researchers are pursuing more accurate severe weather forecasting and improved public safety. This week, experts from around the world are talking about lightning and other flashy subjects at the 11^th quadrennial International Conference on Atmospheric Electricity in Guntersville, Ala.

You can talk to a lightning expert about what is being learned and how it affects people everywhere.

Talent:

Steve Goodman, Lightning Expert
Global Hydrology and Climate Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.

Time:

Friday, June 11, 5 a.m.- 8 a.m. CDT

Satellite Windows: 10 minutes

To schedule an interview, contact:

Connie James
Marshall Space Flight Center
256-544-2188
pager 256-544-1183 (PIN 0224)

Media Relations Contact:

Steve Roy
Marshall Space Flight Center
256-544-0034
[email protected]

NASA TV:

NASA Television is available on GE-2, transponder 9C at 85 degrees West longitude, with vertical polarization. Frequency is on 3880.0 megahertz, with audio on 6.8 megahertz.

For general information about NASA TV see: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv/