Location and Calibration of Lightning Pulses from LOFAR Radiation Measurements

Author

Nicholas R. Demers, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2022

Project Type

Senior Thesis

College or School

CEPS

Department

Physics

Program or Major

Physics

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

First Advisor

Joseph Dwyer

Abstract

Lightning has the power to shock and awe as an incredible force of nature, yet so many phenomena surrounding lightning are still not well-understood. In fact, the very physics regarding what actually sparks a lightning strike remain poorly defined. In an effort to understand how lightning initiation is achieved, data collected from the Low Frequency Array in the Netherlands were calibrated and interferometry performed to map the flash in 4D space. The calibration process itself is explored, from choosing lightning sources to calibrate, to the various stages of calibration leading to a fully calibrated flash ready for interferometric analysis. Using these calibrations, other researchers will be able to explore initiation and other lightning phenomena.

Recommended Citation

Demers, Nicholas R., "Location and Calibration of Lightning Pulses from LOFAR Radiation Measurements" (2022). Honors Theses and Capstones. 677.
https://scholars.unh.edu/honors/677