Multi-messenger observations of thunderstorm-related bursts of cosmic rays

TL;DR

This paper details multi-year, multi-instrument observations of thunderstorm-related cosmic ray bursts, revealing correlations between gamma-ray emissions, environmental factors, and lightning activity to better understand their interrelations.

Contribution

It introduces a coordinated multi-instrument detection system and analysis method for studying thunderstorm-related cosmic rays and their connection to lightning.

Findings

Correlations between cosmic ray bursts and lightning activity.

Insights into the timing and origin of TGEs.

Effective multi-instrument synchronization for atmospheric studies.

Abstract

We present the facilities of the Aragats Space Environmental Center in Armenia used during multi-year observations of the thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) and corresponding environmental parameters. We analyze the characteristics of the scintillation detectors, operated on Aragats, and describe the coordinated detection of TGEs by the network of scintillation detectors, field meters, and environmental parameters. By using a fast synchronized data acquisition system we reveal correlations of the multivariate data on time scales from second to nanosecond which allow us to gain insight into the TGE and lightning origin and their interrelations.