Radioactive rain? NASA’s ex-spy plane reveals thunderstorms emit gamma rays

NASA's modified U2 spy plane has revealed that thunderstorms produce gamma radiation more frequently than previously thought. Scientists observed gamma radiation in 9 out of 10 flights over large tropical storms, suggesting over half of all tropical thunderstorms emit this radiation. The study also discovered new types of short gamma bursts potentially linked to lightning initiation. While the radiation levels are not harmful to humans at a distance, they may impact equipment operating near storms. These findings raise new questions about the mechanisms behind thunderstorm-generated radiation and its potential connection to lightning formation.