UV camera snaps treetops glowing as thunderstorm passed overhead

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have successfully captured the first direct evidence of coronae—an atmospheric phenomenon characterized by luminous halos—using a specialized ultraviolet camera. This remarkable observation took place during a thunderstorm, focusing on a sweetgum tree and a loblolly pine. The researchers aimed to explore the interactions between lightning and plant life, which have remained largely unexamined. The findings not only shed light on the effects of electric fields on trees but also open up new avenues for understanding the ecological impacts of thunderstorms. This innovative research highlights the intersection of meteorology and botany, providing insights that could inform both scientific understanding and environmental monitoring in the future.