From Earth to Space: Lightning Storms Link to Cosmic

A **study from CU Boulder**, led by undergraduate Max Feinland, reveals an intriguing connection between Earth's lightning storms and high-energy electrons in space. Published in *Nature Communications*, the research highlights how lightning discharges can jolt electrons from the inner radiation belts—a finding that could have implications for satellites and astronauts. While the radiation belts act as protective barriers by trapping charged particles from the solar wind, they are not impenetrable. The new findings suggest that lightning-induced radio waves can liberate free electrons, creating a cascade of bouncing particles that eventually fall into Earth's atmosphere. Feinland's accidental discovery, based on data from NASA's SAMPEX satellite, showed 45 high-energy electron surges linked to lightning strikes over a decade. This novel insight may enable improved prediction and avoidance of radiation risks in space missions.