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The NASA Thunderstorm Observations and Research (ThOR) Mission: Lightning Mapping from Space to Improve the Short-term Forecasting of Severe StormsThe ThOR mission uses a lightning mapping sensor in geostationary Earth orbit to provide continuous observations of thunderstorm activity over the Americas and nearby oceans. The link between lightning activity and cloud updrafts is the basis for total lightning observations indicating the evolving convective intensification and decay of storms. ThOR offers a national operational demonstration of the utility of real-time total lightning mapping for earlier and more reliable identification of potentially severe and hazardous storms. Regional pilot projects have already demonstrated that the dominance in-cloud lightning and increasing in-cloud lash rates are known to precede severe weather at the surface by tens of minutes. ThOR is currently planned for launch in 2005 on a commercial or research satellite. Real-time data will be provided to selected NWS Weather Forecast Offices and National Centers (EMC/AWC/SPC) for evaluation.
Document ID
20030001122
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goodman, S. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Christian, H. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Boccippio, D. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Koshak, W. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Cecil, D. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Arnold, James E.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2002 NWA Annual Meeting
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: October 21, 2002
End Date: October 25, 2002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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