Station Science Top News: June 14, 2024

by ISS Program Science Office | 2024-06-14

New algorithms identify lightning flashes that contain terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs), bursts of energetic X-rays and gamma rays emitted from thunderstorms. The algorithm reduces the total number of flashes potentially associated with TGFs, essentially pre-selecting a smaller number for scientists to analyze. A better understanding of lightning could improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring and contribute to aircraft and spacecraft safety.

Space Test Program-H5-Lightning Imaging Sensor (STP-H5 LIS) measures the number, rate, and energy of lightning flashes around the world. To validate the algorithm, researchers compared its data with that from ASIM, an ESA (European Space Agency) investigation studying severe thunderstorms and their role in Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Measuring lightning from the International Space Station removes observational bias and provides improved coverage for higher latitudes.

A view from space showing a robotic arm with the label "Canada" attached to a spacecraft. — A view of the Space Test Program - Houston5 (STP-H5) taken aboard the International Space Station during Expedition 50. The STP-H5 Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) measures the amount, rate, and energy of lightning around the world. **Credit: ESA (European Space Agency)/Thomas Pesquet**

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Researchers detected atmospheric gravity waves on Earth, finding overall higher activity in winter high latitudes and other seasonal hotspots, including during the equinox seasons near strong convection regions such as the Amazon and Congo rainforests and eastern North America. Analysis of gravity waves provides valuable information for local studies of their effects on a global scale.

Gravity waves travel upward in the atmosphere and speed up or slow down background wind as they dissipate. They play a role in development of local weather patterns and thunderstorms and can create clear air turbulence, affecting aviation safety. IMAP, one of five instruments for JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) MCE investigation, studies energy and plasma activity at the highest atmospheric altitudes using a visible light spectrometer.

View of the International Space Station's solar panels and Canadarm2 robotic arm with a backdrop of space. — The Multi-mission Consolidated Equipment (MCE) investigation consists of five small unique instruments located at Equipment Exchange Unit (EER) site 8 on the Japanese Experiment Module - Exposed Facility (JEF). Credit: JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)/Kimiya Yui

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Researchers tested performance of tellurium dioxide (TeO2) and mercurous bromide (Hg2Br2) Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters (AOTFs), each of which affects a specific light wavelength. The TeO2 device survived space exposure with no significant degradation, but the Hg2Br2 device deteriorated considerably. The TeO2 AOTF provides high transmission speed and random access to desired spectral bands for space imaging and communications applications.

The MISSE-11 Experiment was one of a series of investigations that test how exposure to space affects various materials, electronics, and other components. It included Space Qualification of Opto-Electronics Devices and Materials (SQOODAM), which tested the photonic devices for possible use in optical imaging and communications on future space missions.