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Gamma-Ray Flashes of Atmospheric Origin. The Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory Guest Investigator Program: Cycle 7The BATSE detectors on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory have recorded the first observations of an unexplained terrestrial phenomenon: brief, intense flashes of MeV photons. These events, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, must originate at altitudes above 30 km to be observed by the orbiting detectors. More than 70 of these events have been observed in nine years of observations. The most likely origin of these high-energy photons is bremsstrahlung from relativistic electrons from high altitude electrical discharges above thunderstorm regions. We proposed to analyze observations of temporal and spectral properties of these events, and to produce a catalog of event characteristics. Temporal correlations with radio observations made at Palmer Station, Antarctica and spatial correlations with satellite images of thunderstorm regions near GRO during these events were investigated, aiding in verification and testing of proposed theoretical models of the atmospheric processes believed to be responsible for these unique observations.
Document ID
20010000335
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Mallozzi, Robert S.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL United States)
Fishman, G. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Pendleton, G. N.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL United States)
Inan, U. S.
(Stanford Univ. Stanford, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-3675
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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